Struggle for Dominance in Mediation Efforts Across Europe
In a bid to find a lasting solution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, German politician Friedrich Merz has outlined key European prerequisites for peace negotiations. According to Merz, these prerequisites include a high-level summit involving Ukraine, Russia, the USA, and European partners, direct participation of Ukraine in all negotiations, a ceasefire, robust security guarantees, and a joint trans-Atlantic strategy [1][2][5].
The proposed summit aims to lead to real negotiations, with Ukraine having the freedom to make its own decisions regarding territorial issues and not being forced to cede territory. The so-called contact line serves as the starting point for territorial discussions, but any legal recognition of Russian occupation is off the table. The principle that borders must not be altered by force must remain intact [1][2][5].
The United States is prepared to provide strong security guarantees, and European partners should participate fully in this security framework. Negotiations and peace efforts must be part of a coordinated strategy between Europe and the United States to ensure effectiveness and legitimacy [2].
Recent developments in the conflict have seen significant territorial gains by the Russian army [3]. However, Merz's optimism remains undeterred following consultations with US and Ukrainian leaders regarding progress on these points [1][2][5].
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexei Fadeyev has described European diplomatic efforts as "insignificant" and accused the European Union of aiming to "sabotage" the peace efforts of Washington and Moscow [4].
Russia has previously demanded that Ukraine abandon its NATO aspirations in exchange for an end to its attacks [6]. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated his rejection of any further concessions to Russia [7].
Zelenskyy met with Chancellor Merz in Berlin for consultations with Donald Trump [8]. Kiev is reportedly being discussed for potential territorial concessions to Russia, but Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine does not want to and cannot give up its eastern territories [9].
The Kremlin sees itself not only diplomatically but also militarily advantageous in the conflict [10]. The Donbass is seen by Zelenskyy as a potential "springboard" for another war [11].
In an effort to remind US President Donald Trump of Europe's position regarding the Ukraine conflict, Merz organized video conferences with several European leaders and US Vice President JD Vance [12]. The peace talks about the Ukraine conflict are currently taking place in Alaska [13].
As the negotiations continue, it is crucial that a ceasefire comes first in the negotiations for a peace solution, according to Merz [1]. Essential elements should be agreed upon in a framework agreement for a peace solution in the Ukraine war to maintain fundamental European and Ukrainian security interests [1][5].
The European policy regarding the war-and-conflicts in Ukraine includes a multilateral summit, where Ukraine would have the agency to decide on territorial issues, and a coordinated strategy between Europe and the USA for peace negotiations [1][2][5]. Germany's Friedrich Merz emphasizes the necessity of a ceasefire, robust security guarantees, and a joint trans-Atlantic strategy in the general-news context [1][2][5].
