Germany represented at peace talks in Abu Dhabi
Russia and Ukraine have resumed their US-mediated negotiations. Germany is represented in Abu Dhabi but not at the negotiating table with Russia. An agreement is likely to be reached concerning an exchange of prisoners.
Berlin/Abu Dhabi (d.de, dpa) – Ukraine and Russia continue their peace talks in Abu Dhabi that are mediated by the USA. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s security policy advisor Günter Sautter represents Germany in Abu Dhabi, but he does not take part in the immediate negotiations with Russia. It is the first time since February that Ukraine and Russia are speaking to each other directly. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described the first day of talks as “constructive”. The two sides seem to be close to an agreement concerning the exchange of a large number of prisoners.
Potential exchange of prisoners
Ukrainian media have been reporting that the two sides had agreed on an exchange of prisoners to take place in the near future. However, this has not yet been officially confirmed. Another topic discussed was the return of deported Ukrainian children.
Regarding the fundamental issues, the two sides remain far apart. Russia rejects the prospect of an immediate ceasefire. Ukraine is calling for the fighting to end as well as for reliable security guarantees. De-escalation measures with regard to the attacks on energy infrastructure are among the topics to be discussed on the second day of negotiations.
Germany demands stronger European involvement
Germany, France and the United Kingdom argue that Europe should be more closely involved in the negotiations. Federal Chancellor Merz had stressed in early November that, “Europe must play a role in this process and wishes to do so”.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is also calling for direct participation in any further talks. At the same time, he expressed doubts regarding Russia’s willingness to negotiate. He said that he could not see that Russia had so far been making any substantial contributions to advancing the negotiations.
