German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Donald Trump not to pursue a Ukraine peace deal “above Europe’s head”, as he offered to host talks with Washington on potential territorial concessions to Russia to secure a ceasefire.
Merz said he held a “detailed” call with the US president on Wednesday, when along with France’s Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer he stressed the importance of Europe’s involvement in talks with Russia on matters crucial to the continent’s long-term security.
The call came after Kyiv sent Washington the latest draft of a peace proposal including revisions drawn up by Ukrainian and European governments, said people familiar with the matter.