Peace negotiations • Table.Briefings

December 22nd, 2025

Ukraine war: Putin ready for talks with Macron

Despite international peace efforts, Russia has been waging a destructive war of aggression against Ukraine for almost four years. At the same time, Moscow is willing to talk.

By Redaktion Table

Feature | Ukraine

December 18th, 2025

EU summit: Europe’s ability to wield geopolitical influence is at risk

A decision on a possible reparations loan for Ukraine is set to dominate the EU summit in Brussels today, with the Mercosur free trade agreement also likely to be discussed. The future of the EU as a geopolitical heavyweight is riding on both issues.

By Stephan Israel

Talk of the Town | Peace negotiations

December 16th, 2025

Ukraine negotiations: Europeans enter the fray with proposals for their own multinational force

In the struggle for a ceasefire, Friedrich Merz and his counterparts are proposing a multinational force to help Ukraine — within the country itself, if necessary.

By Stefan Braun, Sara Sievert and Viktor Funk

Feature | Ukraine

December 15th, 2025

Ukraine negotiations: Merz has risen to become Europe’s primus inter pares

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has become the key European authority in the Ukraine crisis. His resolute stance makes Germany the most important counterweight to Russia on the continent.

By Stefan Braun

Feature | Peace negotiations

December 12th, 2025

Ukraine funding: EU permanently blocks Russian funds

With the help of an emergency clause, a large majority of EU states have decided to place a long-term block on Russian state bank funds. This increases the likelihood of the Ukraine reparation loan, which could strengthen the EU’s role in the peace negotiations.

By Stephan Israel, János Allenbach-Ammann and Wilhelmine Stenglin

Feature | Peace negotiations

December 12th, 2025

Russian funds: EU prepares to use the assets

The EU states have found a way to block Russian state bank funds for the longer term. This improves the chances of the Ukraine reparation loan. An agreement at the summit here would be a prerequisite for the EU to be taken seriously in the US-led peace negotiations.

By Stephan Israel, János Allenbach-Ammann and Wilhelmine Stenglin

Friedrich Merz, Keir Starmer, Wolodymyr Selenskyj und Emmanuel Macron in London im Dezember 2025

Feature | Peace negotiations

December 9th, 2025

Ukraine: How the Europeans are trying to stand up to the USA

European heads of state and government are intensifying their efforts to take a more independent stance on Ukraine policy vis-à-vis the USA. The aim is to strengthen Ukraine’s position in peace negotiations and secure financial support.

By Stephan Israel

News | Ukraine

December 8th, 2025

Ukraine: Merz, Macron and Starmer want to back Zelenskiy

Hosted by Keir Starmer, Merz and Macron are to discuss the status of the peace negotiations with Volodymyr Zelenskiy in London today, Monday. The dinner between Merz, von der Leyen and De Wever on the issue of financing Ukraine has not yet resulted in a breakthrough.

By Stephan Israel

Feature | Peace negotiations

December 3rd, 2025

Ukraine negotiations: Rutte is confident that NATO interests will be safeguarded

Mark Rutte sees no danger of the USA making unilateral decisions about the alliance during the Ukraine negotiations with Russia. All NATO-relevant issues would be clarified separately. In Moscow, Vladimir Putin accompanied the start of the talks with the US delegation with new threats.

By Stephan Israel and Viktor Funk

News | Peace negotiations

December 2nd, 2025

How Kaja Kallas is critical of the US negotiating strategy for peace in Ukraine

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs has criticized the US strategy for peace negotiations in Ukraine. Emmanuel Macron backed Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a meeting at the Elysée, which was also attended by Friedrich Merz and other heads of government.

By Stephan Israel