Merz Picks Up 'Positive Signals' as US Envoys Land in Moscow for Ukraine Talks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters in Dublin on Thursday that he is hearing some positive signals from the Ukraine peace discussions held in Abu Dhabi over the past two days. He said that, together with the Americans, there may be a chance to achieve a genuine peace order in Europe.

Merz spoke ahead of a European Political Community summit. His remarks came as US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow following the Abu Dhabi talks, where they are set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. Merz said he hopes Moscow will finally accept a broader format.

His first expectation, he said, is that the Russian government and the Russian president finally agree to joint discussions. Ukraine must be at the table, the Europeans must be at the table and the Americans must be there, he said, adding that talks could then follow.

On who would speak for the EU, Merz said the bloc has already set up formats but that the choice belongs behind closed doors. We will discuss who might represent the EU, but that is a matter to be addressed behind closed doors, not in a public debate, he said.