Friedrich Merz states that the EU is ready to discuss with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, but will not open parallel channels of communication.

The German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the European Union is willing to engage in discussions with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, but will not open parallel channels of communication. Merz emphasized the importance of coordinated discussions, mentioning that, although they are ready to contribute to their efficiency, there will be no separate communications.

The latest round of negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the USA recently took place in Abu Dhabi, without concrete results, but an agreement was reached on a prisoner exchange. At the same time, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that there are secret contacts with certain European leaders, who request that the information remains confidential. Lavrov emphasized that the positions expressed in these secret meetings do not differ from the public ones, highlighting the common calls for an end to the conflict.