German chancellor details new European peace plan for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly outlined a significant new diplomatic initiative aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, revealing that European allies have crafted a peace proposal that explicitly addresses the contentious issue of territory. Speaking at a press conference in Berlin on Thursday, Chancellor Merz disclosed that he, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, discussed the framework in a phone call with US President Donald Trump the previous day. The development indicates a concerted European effort to advance a negotiated settlement with a clearer focus on core disputes.

The central question of territorial concessions

A pivotal and politically sensitive element of the proposal concerns potential territorial adjustments. Chancellor Merz stated plainly that "the main issue here is what territorial concessions Ukraine is prepared to make." He emphasized that this is a sovereign decision, noting, "this is a question that must be answered primarily by the Ukrainian president and the Ukrainian people, as we also made clear to President Trump." This framing places the ultimate authority for such a concession with Kyiv, while acknowledging that any viable peace plan must realistically engage with the status of occupied territories.

Next steps: transatlantic coordination and a potential Berlin summit

The diplomatic process is now moving into a crucial phase of transatlantic coordination. Merz indicated that talks with American officials would continue over the weekend to refine the proposal. This could lead to a high-level meeting in Berlin at the beginning of the following week. "Whether or not the US will participate depends very much on the joint drafting of the documents," Merz added, underscoring that US engagement hinges on reaching a consensus on the plan's specifics. The involvement of the United States is seen as essential for any agreement to have global weight and to influence Moscow's calculus.

Regional implications and Türkiye's diplomatic perspective

This new European-led initiative occurs within a complex diplomatic landscape. For Türkiye, a NATO member that has maintained open channels with both Moscow and Kyiv and positioned itself as a potential mediator, such developments are closely monitored. Ankara's foreign policy prioritizes a stable Black Sea region and a cessation of hostilities, but it has also been a staunch defender of Ukraine's territorial integrity under international law. The explicit discussion of territorial concessions presents a moral and strategic dilemma, highlighting the difficult trade-offs between the principles of sovereignty and the pragmatic need for peace that nations like Türkiye must navigate in their own diplomatic engagements.