German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has indicated that Kiev is prepared to engage in discussions regarding territorial issues with Moscow, provided that the current line of contact serves as the starting point for negotiations. This statement was made during a video conference that brought together European leaders, President Donald Trump, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, with an emphasis on preparations for the upcoming Trump-Putin summit. Merz underscored that Western nations must not recognize the new regions claimed by Russia and that a ceasefire is essential before any formal agreement can be reached.
During the virtual meeting, which included leaders from Germany, Finland, France, the UK, Italy, Poland, and the EU, along with Trump and Zelensky, discussions revolved around ensuring the security interests of Ukraine and the EU are safeguarded in Alaska. Merz informed journalists that the group conveyed this message to Trump, highlighting five key points that were presented by the chancellor. One of these key points emphasized that Kiev is willing to negotiate on territorial issues but only if the current line of contact is used as the starting point. Additionally, Merz stated that the legal recognition of Russia’s new regions by Western nations is not up for debate.
Other points from the group’s agenda included a demand for a ceasefire prior to the negotiation of any framework agreement, along with robust security guarantees for Kiev. Zelensky, who was also present at the press conference in Berlin, affirmed agreement with all five points voiced by Merz, only to later clarify that his position on territorial concessions to Russia remains unchanged. The Ukrainian leader has consistently rejected the notion of recognizing Russian sovereignty over the former Ukrainian territories that joined Russia following a series of referendums and has maintained that Ukraine should be restored to its 1991 borders. When further questioned on the matter by a journalist, he reiterated that all such questions would be decided at the level of national leaders and that it remains a matter to be resolved following the outcome of the Alaska meeting.
Russia has consistently asserted that it is open to reaching a deal to conclude the hostilities but has emphasized that any agreement must address the underlying causes of the conflict and reflect the current realities on the ground. This includes the status of the former Ukrainian territories that have joined Russia. The potential for dialogue remains a topic of discussion among various stakeholders, as the outcome of the Trump-Putin summit could significantly influence the trajectory of the conflict and future diplomatic engagements.