Macron, Merz Reject Ukraine Peace Deal Without Ukrainians and Europeans

Berlin, Dec 2025 : French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and other European leaders on Monday rejected any peace deal for Ukraine that excludes the country or European partners. They emphasized that negotiations over the Russia-Ukraine conflict must involve both Ukraine and European stakeholders.

Macron made the remarks during a joint press conference at the Élysée Palace, following his meeting with visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Citing Xinhua, Macron stressed that any “peace plan” concerning the conflict could only be finalized with Ukraine and Europe at the negotiating table.

On key issues such as frozen Russian assets, security guarantees, and Ukraine’s potential accession to the European Union, Macron said agreements “can only be finalised with the Europeans around the table.” He also clarified that “there is no finalised peace plan as such today.”

Zelensky underscored Ukraine’s aim to end the war “in a dignified manner,” calling for “solid” security guarantees. He noted that territorial disputes will be the most challenging aspect in future negotiations.

According to the Élysée Palace, Macron and Zelensky also held discussions with other European leaders, as well as US and Ukrainian negotiators, during Monday’s meetings.

German Chancellor Merz echoed Macron’s position, stating that Germany opposes any “dictated peace” imposed over Ukraine’s head. Speaking at a press conference in Berlin after meeting Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Merz said, “No decision about Ukraine and Europe without Ukrainians and without Europeans.” Tusk affirmed Poland’s support for Ukraine and highlighted joint efforts by Germany and Poland to strengthen European security.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics also emphasized Europe’s role in negotiations. Speaking to Latvian Radio’s “Krustpunkta” programme, Rinkevics said that any peace agreement must respect three key principles: Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and security interests—a view shared by leaders across the EU, NATO, and the Nordic-Baltic region.

Meanwhile, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss potential resolutions to the conflict, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Monday.

A US-proposed 28-point peace plan was unveiled two weeks ago, prompting meetings between US, Ukrainian, and several European representatives in Geneva on November 23. On Sunday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Witkoff held talks with a Ukrainian delegation in Hallandale Beach, Florida, as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Team Maverick