Ukraine war: Merz doubts Russia is serious about a truce

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin. Both leaders said the EU needs to be included in peace talks with Russia. Merz also expressed doubts that Russia is serious about seeking a truce.

Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin on Tuesday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he had seen no sign that Russia is serious about negotiating a ceasefire in Ukraine. Germany expects European representatives to be in Abu Dhabi for next week's US-led talks with Ukraine and Russia , though they are unlikely to have a seat at the table. "It is important that Russia finally and seriously engages in negotiations about a ceasefire and a subsequent peace agreement," Merz said when asked about the Abu Dhabi talks.

"I do not see that happening so far." "We are counting on the fact that work in this format and our other diplomatic steps will open the way to a trilateral format at the level of leaders," he told reporters.