German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Moscow to demonstrate seriousness about a Ukraine ceasefire, while pressing for a European role in shaping any agreement on security and sanctions.
In Berlin on Tuesday, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Merz said Moscow had not demonstrated a serious commitment to ceasefire negotiations. He told the joint news conference, “It is time for an end to this war.”
The six-day ceasefire in and around Russian-occupied Oleshky was intended to allow aid deliveries and civilian evacuations. Updates issued by Ukraine’s Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets confirmed the ceasefire timing and the humanitarian mission.
Merz said Oleshky could serve as a model for broader ceasefires covering energy infrastructure and the Black Sea. Zelenskyy called for a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure, safe passage for grain shipments through the Black Sea and further prisoner exchanges. He said a ceasefire alone would not ensure lasting peace, and called for security guarantees backed by Europe and the United States.
Merz backed another round of peace talks and said European governments should help shape the process. He said Europe must have a say on sanctions and the postwar security architecture. Merz also warned that Russian attacks in the Black Sea risked a global food crisis, with poorer countries especially exposed, Anadolu Agency and DW reported.
Earlier ceasefire attempts either failed to take hold or quickly unraveled amid mistrust, The Associated Press reported. Germany expects European representatives to be in Abu Dhabi next week, though DW reported they are unlikely to have a seat at the table during U.S.-led talks with Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine was due to join the United States, European partners and NATO in Brussels on Wednesday for discussions on security guarantees and reconstruction, DW reported.
