Die Zeit: Germany preparing for potential talks with Russia

Germany has been quietly preparing for potential negotiations with Russia for several weeks, amid signs that a diplomatic opening may be emerging, the newspaper Die Zeit reported.

According to the publication, speculation about possible talks had until recently remained at the level of rumor. However, the situation has shifted behind the scenes, with “the German government having been intensively preparing for negotiations with Russia for several weeks.”

Regular consultations are taking place within the Federal Chancellery, particularly with counterparts from France and the United Kingdom. Sources in government circles cited by the newspaper said that “a window is gradually opening for negotiations between the European side and Russia.”

Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has previously rejected calls to pursue dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, is now said to be operating under a set of clear principles regarding any potential talks. These include: “Nothing without Ukraine, no separate steps by Germany, close teamwork with Europeans and coordination instead of competition with the United States.”

According to Die Zeit, this framework implies a four-party negotiation format involving Europe, Ukraine, Russia and the United States.

Discussions are currently focused on the format and structure of any potential engagement with Moscow. For Merz, the so-called “E3” grouping — Germany, France and the United Kingdom — remains central to the process. At the same time, Italy and Poland are also participating in the ongoing consultations, the report said.

By Tamilla Hasanova