Volodymyr Zelenskyj and Friedrich Merz at a reception by the President of Ukraine in Berlin.Image: www.imago-images.de
December 26, 2025, 9:24 p.mDecember 26, 2025, 9:25 p.m
The Ukrainian head of state Volodymyr Zelenskyj discussed the next steps with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz before a planned meeting with US President Donald Trump. «We are coordinating our positions and everyone in Europe must pull together to defend our European way of life, the independence of our states and peace in Europe. There must be peace,” wrote Zelenskyj on the X platform.
“Berlin Group” ready
Merz (CDU) responded to X with the words: “We are steadfastly at your side. Strong, coordinated action by Europe remains essential for peace, freedom and security.” The “Berlin Group” is ready to help – in close coordination with the US partners.
Zelensky says he wants to meet US President Trump this weekend to put the finishing touches to a possible peace plan for Ukraine. The meeting has not yet been officially confirmed by Washington. In addition, it was suggested in Moscow that this plan, revised by the USA, Kiev and Europe, does not correspond to the Kremlin’s ideas.
I spoke with Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz @federal chancellor. We are coordinating our positions, and everyone in Europe must be on the same page in defending our European way of life, the independence of our states, and peace in Europe. There must be peace.
We spoke with…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 26, 2025
He informed the Chancellor about Kiev’s work with the US envoys. «We all remember the format of the Berlin meeting and the results achieved there. This is exactly how we will continue to work. We have agreed to continue to act together with the Europeans,” Zelenskyi wrote on X, referring to the recent summit in Berlin.
New push for peace
The summit in Berlin in mid-December was the first major Ukraine meeting involving the USA, Ukraine and the leading Europeans in an EU state since Trump’s new push for a peace solution in November.
Zelenskyi thanked Germany “for its unwavering” and concrete support. «Thanks to our cooperation with Germany, thousands of lives in Ukraine have already been saved from Russian attacks, and we maintain our defensive positions to ensure the strength of our diplomatic positions. Friedrich, thank you very much!” wrote the Ukrainian head of state to Merz. (sda/dpa)