Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the continuation of communication with the American side regarding a potential peace agreement. He also discussed the development of the situation and coordinated further steps with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Donald Trump expressed readiness for a jointly developed peace plan for Ukraine. The talks in Geneva have concluded, but a breakthrough is not expected this week, adds the German leader.
German Chancellor Merz stated that the path to ending the war in Ukraine would be long, despite some progress in negotiations in Geneva. He emphasized the need for coordinated European action and Russia's participation in real negotiations.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz opposed Russia's return to the G8, as envisioned in the US "peace plan" for Ukraine. He stated that no one in the G7, except the United States, wants Russia to return.
German Chancellor Merz expressed skepticism about the approval of the US peace plan by Thursday due to disagreements. He also proposed his own abbreviated plan for ending the war in Ukraine, the details of which have not been disclosed.
Immediately after the opening of the G20 summit, the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany met to discuss US President Donald Trump's plan for Ukraine. Other leaders from Europe, Australia, Canada, and Japan also joined the meeting, working on adapting the American plan.
European leaders are trying to buy time to develop a new ceasefire framework with Russia after the administration of US President Donald Trump set a deadline of November 27. They aim to rewrite much of the proposed plan, presenting it as constructive updates.
The Office of the President of Ukraine announced consultations on ending the war after the President approved the delegation's composition. This comes against the backdrop of a 28-point US peace plan, which envisages territorial concessions and a threat to cease arms supplies to Ukraine.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed the American proposal for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine. The leaders emphasized the importance of supporting negotiation processes and the desire to achieve a just peace.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Donald Trump held a 15-minute conversation. They discussed the American peace plan for ending the war in Ukraine, but details were not disclosed.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine may face a difficult choice: to lose dignity or risk losing a key partner. He emphasized that his answer was given on May 20, 2019, when he pledged to defend Ukraine's sovereignty and independence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with the leaders of France, Britain, and Germany regarding the American peace plan. The parties coordinated further steps and agreed on joint work of the teams.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They reaffirmed their full support for Ukraine and discussed US efforts to end the war, emphasizing the need for European partners' approval for any peace agreement.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz canceled a series of meetings on Friday for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump. The talks concern the situation in Ukraine, including Trump's 28-point plan.
The German Chancellor, the Presidents of France, and the Prime Minister of Great Britain will hold an urgent conversation with Zelenskyy. They will discuss the US and Russian plan to end the war. A meeting is also expected on the sidelines of the G20 in South Africa.
Germany is urging the European Union to reach an agreement with the United Kingdom on access to the EU defense fund by the end of the month. This would allow the UK to participate in the €150 billion fund designed to strengthen European defense.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the provision of long-range missile systems to Ukraine, without specifying details. He emphasized that Germany and its partners would equip the Ukrainian army with the necessary systems, including potential production in Ukraine.
The German Chancellor's Cabinet has approved a law allowing the Bundeswehr to shoot down unknown drones suspected of spying on military bases and industrial facilities. The military will be able to use force against UAVs at the request of local police, using weapons or jammers.
On Tuesday, November 18, a trilateral meeting will take place in Berlin between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The leaders will meet for dinner after the summit on Europe's digital sovereignty, in which Macron will participate.
Friedrich Merz faces a decline in popularity, with only 16% of Germans supporting him as a candidate. Economic forecasts are falling, and his coalition is paralyzed by internal conflicts.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on young Ukrainians to serve their country instead of leaving for Germany, a request he made to President Zelenskyy. Merz also confirmed the government's plans to revoke the right to receive citizen assistance for refugees from Ukraine.
German federal police have arrested 49-year-old Martin S. on suspicion of plotting to assassinate more than a dozen politicians and public figures, including Olaf Scholz and Angela Merkel. The suspect distributed a list of targets via the dark web and collected donations for assassination bounties.
The German government plans to approve the purchase of defense equipment worth over 3 billion euros. The funds will go towards missiles for the IRIS-T SLM air defense system, 20 light Airbus combat helicopters, and 100,000 night vision devices.
The development of a joint British-German long-range missile within the framework of the "Trinity House" defense partnership is gaining momentum. British Defense Minister John Healey confirmed active technical work on the missile, which will have a range of over 2000 kilometers.
The German government is offering Afghans in Pakistan financial payments to forgo resettlement in Germany. This is part of a tougher migration policy amid the growing popularity of the right-wing populist party.
Germany intends to increase financial aid to Ukraine by approximately 3 billion euros next year. This will cover artillery, drones, armored vehicles, and the replacement of two Patriot air defense systems.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the end of the civil war in Syria and his intention to begin the process of returning Syrian refugees to their homeland. He invited President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss the deportation of those who have no legal grounds to remain in the country.
Germany is reclaiming its role as a military leader in Europe, having lifted financial restrictions on its defense sector. Berlin is investing hundreds of billions of pounds in state-of-the-art tanks, artillery, fighter jets, and warships.
Ukrainian air defense has been strengthened with Patriot systems, made possible by Germany's support. President Zelenskyy thanked Chancellor Friedrich Merz for the joint step in protection against Russian terror.
The G7 will continue to support Ukraine in means of repelling enemy air strikes and restoring power plants destroyed by the Russians. Energy ministers of the G7 countries are sending an important signal as Russia continues to attack Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure.
