Merkel and Merz emphasize Ukraine's role in European conflict talks

Regional outlets stress that Merkel and Merz insist Ukraine must be directly involved in any talks that decide its future. This view holds that European countries, especially Germany, should back Kyiv’s right to negotiate its own peace terms. The expectation is that Western leaders will resist any separate deal shaped by outside powers without Ukrainian consent.

• •Merkel insists no settlement on Ukraine’s future is acceptable without Ukraine at the table.
• •Merz argues Europe must be present in any talks that shape a Ukraine deal.
• •Regional coverage presents Merkel’s talks with Trump as informal discussions rather than an alternative peace channel.
• •Ukrainian-focused media frame Germany’s stance as support for Kyiv’s negotiating rights.
• •Regional voices expect Western governments to reject any Russia–US deal that sidelines Ukraine.