Germany invites US to high-stakes Berlin meeting on potential Ukraine ceasefire

Germany has extended an invitation to the United States to join a critical meeting in Berlin next week on the potential for a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine war. The high-level talks, expected to be attended by key European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, aim to align positions on a peace initiative.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed the invitation following discussions with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Merz noted that while the UShas been invited, its participation will depend on progress in ongoing negotiations between the E3 — the United Kingdom, France, and Germany — Ukraine, and the US over the weekend, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

These talks are focused on finalising key documents that could form the basis for any potential ceasefire agreement.

“There’s a very much dependent on progress over the weekend between the E3, Ukraine, and the US on the underlying documents,” Merz said. 

Merz emphasized that any ceasefire arrangement would require robust guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression.

“Only Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian public can determine what compromises are feasible,” he added, stressing that any deal must be sustainable and backed by security assurances for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte issued a stark warning about the broader security situation in Europe. Speaking at a security conference in Berlin, Rutte cautioned that NATO member states, including the UK, must urgently increase defence spending in anticipation of further Russian threats.

“We are Russia’s next target. I fear that too many are quietly complacent,” Rutte said, urging European nations to prepare for the long haul. “We must be ready for war, like our grandparents endured.”

By Sabina Mammadli