Merz proposes five EU nations for Ukraine peace talks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed that Germany, France, Britain, Italy, and Poland represent Europe in Ukraine peace talks, citing the existing E3 format as a proven model. He made the remarks at a European Political Community meeting in Dublin on November 12. Merz stated that no final decision on the delegation's composition has been made, and discussions will occur behind closed doors. He also noted positive signals from Moscow, saying Russia increasingly recognizes that Europe cannot be excluded from negotiations. Diplomatic efforts intensified on November 10, with Ukrainian, US, and Russian delegations meeting in Abu Dhabi. US officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner then visited Moscow before meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Dublin, where they confirmed Europe would participate in talks with voting rights.