Merz Urges Russia to Demonstrate Serious Commitment to Ceasefire Ahead of Abu Dhabi Talks

BERLIN — Russia must demonstrate genuine commitment to a ceasefire and peace agreement at upcoming talks in Abu Dhabi, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared Tuesday while hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Berlin.

Merz characterized the next round of negotiations between Ukrainian, U.S., and Russian officials as “the right step” toward ending the fighting, while stressing that European involvement in the process is essential.

“It is important for Russia to finally engage in serious negotiations on a ceasefire and a subsequent peace agreement. I have not seen any sign of this so far,” Merz told reporters.

The Abu Dhabi meeting, scheduled for November 10 and 11, marks the first direct Ukraine-Russia talks since February. Zelenskiy said the agenda includes security guarantees, an “energy ceasefire,” and a Black Sea truce to secure food exports.

Merz emphasized that any lasting agreement must include European nations, which have been largely excluded from U.S.-led diplomatic efforts by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Looking ahead to a December G20 leaders’ summit in Miami, Merz insisted that Zelenskiy must be present if Russian President Vladimir Putin receives an invitation.

“In my view, it is completely unacceptable for third countries to discuss Ukraine’s future without involving Ukraine itself,” he said, adding that such discussions “must also genuinely lead to an end to hostilities.”

Merz affirmed that Germany, currently the largest contributor to Ukraine’s support, would continue its military assistance.

“We are doing this in our own interests, in the interests of Europe, and in the interests of a stable political order in Europe,” he said.

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