German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he does not expect a breakthrough in Ukraine peace negotiations this week, despite what he described as renewed momentum surrounding diplomatic efforts, following updated talks between US and Ukrainian representatives in Geneva.
Speaking after consultations of EU heads of state and government on the sidelines of the EU–Africa summit in Angola’s capital, Luanda, Merz said Ukrainian interests are European interests and must be protected collectively. According to Deutschlandfunk, he described the initiated process as having gained “new dynamism” but stressed that it remains arduous, underlining that the decisive step now must be for Russia to pursue peace efforts seriously.
“The next step must be: Russia has to come to the table,” he said, adding that only then would the effort prove worthwhile.
Merz also reiterated that Ukraine must not be forced into unilateral territorial concessions, stressing that any agreement must safeguard the country’s sovereignty. He said representatives of the United States and Ukraine had produced a revised and improved draft peace plan during talks in Geneva, which includes, according to the US government, strengthened security guarantees for Kyiv.
Europeans claim key concessions removed from original US plan
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the Geneva talks as a notable European success, saying that all issues affecting Europe and NATO had been removed from the original US proposal. Speaking to Deutschlandfunk, Wadephul said this was a “decisive success,” emphasizing that no agreement should be reached over the heads of Europeans or Ukrainians.
He stressed that Ukraine’s sovereignty must be preserved and that Kyiv alone must decide what concessions it is prepared to make. Wadephul also welcomed the fact that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had eased time pressure surrounding this week’s negotiations. “That is already a crucial condition for reaching a sustainable agreement,” he said, adding that territorial questions and security guarantees remain among the central unresolved points.
Von der Leyen urges unity as EU seeks stable foundation
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said there is now a solid foundation to move forward, but cautioned that unity must be maintained and that Ukraine’s well-being must remain at the center of all efforts.
She echoed the emphasis on preventing any settlement that undermines Ukrainian sovereignty, as EU leaders seek to balance diplomatic engagement with long-term strategic guarantees.
Geneva talks produce revised framework
The weekend negotiations in Geneva resulted in what was described as an updated and improved peace plan draft, jointly prepared by US and Ukrainian delegations. Despite the absence of expectations for an immediate breakthrough, officials described the process as entering a more defined stage, with security guarantees and sovereign decision-making for Ukraine remaining central principles in the evolving framework.