Germany Urges US to Join Berlin Peace Talks on Ukraine
Germany is stepping up its diplomatic efforts by inviting the United States to join a key meeting in Berlin dedicated to a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to Politico.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that the United States has received an official invitation to participate in negotiations scheduled for next week, which will include leading European officials and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The goal of the meeting is to coordinate approaches to rapidly developing peace initiatives and define positions regarding a possible ceasefire.
Washington has not yet confirmed its participation, as the decision will depend on progress in talks over the weekend between the E3 countries, Ukraine, and the US on the key documents.
European governments have already sent their proposal for possible territorial compromises to Washington, being a highly sensitive issue that may shape the future of peace efforts.
“It mainly concerns the question of what territorial concessions Ukraine is prepared to make,” Merz said.
A tense phone conversation took place earlier between the leaders of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Donald Trump admitted the discussion was heated, reflecting differing visions for the terms of peace.
At the same time, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sought to downplay tensions surrounding Trump’s comments, stressing that their call was “constructive” and marked by mutual respect. He noted that both sides discussed current proposals in detail, including the question of potential Ukrainian territorial concessions — but emphasized that such decisions belong solely to the Ukrainian president and the Ukrainian people.
According to Merz, Trump indicated that he is ready to move forward together with the Europeans and recognizes the need to consider Europe’s position in shaping a future peace strategy.
Merz also said that recent weeks have shown unprecedented momentum in peace efforts.
However, he stressed that the process remains extremely difficult due to Russia’s ongoing aggression and the Kremlin’s apparent reluctance to engage meaningfully in negotiations. European partners have identified three key objectives: achieving a ceasefire, securing it with strong legal and material guarantees, and ensuring any negotiated outcome does not undermine the unity of the EU or NATO.
The chancellor emphasized that Europe will not pressure Zelenskyy into accepting a peace deal that the Ukrainian people would reject. Instead, allies intend to continue supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia.
“It would be a mistake to pressure the Ukrainian president into accepting a peace that his people are not ready to accept after four years of suffering and death,” Merz emphasized. "That is why we are making it clear to him that we will remain on Ukraine's side for the long haul in order to achieve our common goals. To this end, we will continue to increase pressure on Moscow".
All this is unfolding against the backdrop of intensive negotiations between Ukraine, its European partners, and the United States to develop a unified peace plan.
As The Gaze reported earlier, on December 8, Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting in London with the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, and also joined broader consultations with the Coalition of the Willing.
According to The Washington Post, the outlines of a potential peace agreement are gradually taking shape. Despite Donald Trump’s tough negotiating style and his ambiguous stance toward Russia, American, Ukrainian, and European officials believe that a realistic solution is still within reach. The emerging model envisions Ukraine remaining a sovereign state with clearly protected borders, receiving international security guarantees, joining the European Union, and rebuilding its economy with support from the United States and Europe.
Read more on The Gaze: How Ukraine Plans to Move Forward in Negotiations with US