Germany to provide new winter aid package for Ukraine – Merz
Merz announced the package after the meeting, Rubryka reports, citing Suspilne.
Zelenskyi said the talks covered a planned meeting between the US, Ukraine, and Russia in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11.
"We plan to discuss energy, grain, and reopening Black Sea ports. The third issue is people — how we can step up prisoner exchanges and make them more frequent. And, of course, a meeting between the leaders," the president said.
Zelenskyi stressed that European countries must take part in the leaders' meeting.
Merz said Russia must take peace talks seriously. He added that the German government is involved in diplomatic efforts to end the war.
"Germany stands with Ukraine. We must send Moscow a clear message: we will support Ukraine until the war ends," Merz said.
Asked why European representatives would not attend the Abu Dhabi talks, Zelenskyi said the US was mediating the first steps toward easing the war Russia started against Ukraine.
"These steps are possible even without negotiations. Russia is the one calling for talks. But Europe is involved in one form or another," Zelenskyi said. He stressed that peace talks cannot succeed without European representatives.
Zelenskyi also ruled out a phone call with Putin. He said such a call could give Russia an excuse to avoid a face-to-face meeting.
"We shouldn't just talk. We need to sit down, reach agreements, and make clear which side is the aggressor," the president said.
Merz said Zelenskyi should be invited to the G20 summit in the US if Putin is invited.
Zelenskyi said Ukraine was going into the Abu Dhabi talks from a position of strength, with its forces making progress on the front line. He said the main problem was the state of Ukraine's air defenses.
On November 3, a Ukrainian delegation led by Zelenskyi arrived in Berlin. The visit includes meetings with the German chancellor, president, and Bundestag speaker. Zelenskyi is also set to attend this year's Berlin Security Conference.
The visit will also focus on coordinating with Ukraine's partners.
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