German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a notable adjustment to his schedule on Friday, prioritizing urgent discussions regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. This change follows reporting from BILD on November 21, where it was confirmed that Merz delegated his chief of staff, Thorsten Frei, to attend a previously scheduled event, enabling him to focus entirely on internal dialogues and planned conversations about the situation in Ukraine.
The Chancellor is reportedly preparing for significant conversations, including discussions with former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with additional talks anticipated shortly thereafter. According to BILD, a call in the E3 format was set for midday, incorporating leaders from Ukraine, France, and the United Kingdom, specifically Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
German officials indicated that any outcomes from these discussions will be released only in coordination with the involved parties. This surge of diplomatic activity comes in response to President Trump’s recently proposed 28-point peace framework. The plan has raised concerns in Kyiv and across European capitals, as it calls for Ukraine to forfeit contested territories—some of which have not been captured by Russia—and substantially downsize its military while relinquishing Western military support.
Critics assert that this proposal could reward Moscow and exert undue pressure on Ukraine, forcing them into making irreversible concessions. Security analyst Nico Lange criticized the plan, labeling it not as a genuine peace initiative but rather an effort to sideline Ukraine. He emphasized that a true peace agreement should involve a robust consideration of Ukraine’s stance and the role of Europe in the resolution process.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reinforced this sentiment, stating that a legitimate framework for peace must include the voices of Ukrainians and Europeans. Poland’s foreign minister, Radosław Sikorski, expressed hopes that any discussions would not inhibit the rights of the victim, namely Ukraine, to defend itself, but instead focus on the aggressor.
Earlier conversations by EU leaders highlighted a clear roadmap for achieving peace in Ukraine, emphasizing a dual approach aimed at weakening Russia while simultaneously bolstering support for Ukraine. The urgent discussions led by Chancellor Merz underscore the vital role of European leadership in addressing the complexities of the war and seeking a sustainable resolution.