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Ukraine should determine who represents its interests and stands alongside it in any future peace negotiations with Russia, while the European Union cannot be considered a neutral mediator, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said after the European Council meeting in Brussels on June 19.
Commenting on the format of potential talks, Merz stressed that the priority now is to reach an agreement on launching negotiations, UATV English reports.
“First and foremost, Ukraine decides who stands by its side and who negotiates. Ukraine is the party directly concerned, and ultimately it must decide who will stand beside it and who will conduct negotiations,” Merz said.
According to the German chancellor, peace talks should eventually involve Ukraine, Russia, Europe, and the United States.
“Who will speak for Europe does not need to be decided right now. First, we need to be united on substance. Then we will clarify the formats,” he said.
Merz emphasized that the European Union is not a neutral third party in the conflict.
“The European Union is not a neutral third party and not a mediator. It is a party on Ukraine’s side. Therefore, Ukraine decides who will negotiate for it and with it,” he said.
The German leader noted that the E3 format comprising Germany, France, and the United Kingdom was created at Ukraine’s request.
“The E3 format emerged at the clear request of Ukraine. There is a certain internal logic to this: the United Kingdom, Germany, and France work closely together. These are Europe’s major powers that provide substantial military support to Ukraine, with Germany now being number one by a considerable margin,” Merz said.
He added that in recent days, European leaders and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had formulated key principles for future peace talks, which enjoy broad support among EU heads of state and government.
“The message to Russia is clear: it is time to enter negotiations — serious negotiations. Everything now depends solely on Moscow,” Merz said.
His remarks came amid renewed diplomatic efforts by European leaders to explore possible pathways toward ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
