Zelensky visits Berlin for talks with Merz
The Ukrainian president is seeking German support on the eve of new discussions about a possible end to the war.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting Berlin on Tuesday for talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Germany wants to demonstrate its support for Ukraine during the visit, while US-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine are due to resume next week.
The German government announced a joint press conference by Merz and Zelensky for Tuesday afternoon. Around midday, nothing had officially been announced about concrete decisions or new military support. The visit had been on the German government's agenda for some time, but carries extra weight because diplomatic contacts on a possible peace process are being prepared once again.
According to Reuters, Merz wants to make clear through the meeting that Germany continues to stand behind Ukraine. Germany is among Kyiv's most important European supporters. In recent months, the government in Berlin has linked financial, military and energy assistance to Ukraine to the broader European discussion about security and strategic autonomy.
Zelensky is seeking to maintain European support now that Washington is again backing direct talks between Russia and Ukraine. For Kyiv, it is particularly important that European countries not only press for negotiations, but also continue to strengthen Ukraine's position at the negotiating table. It was not disclosed in advance which security guarantees or weapons might be discussed.
The meeting is taking place against the backdrop of continuing Russian attacks and Ukrainian efforts to put pressure on Russian military and energy infrastructure. Both sides present their military actions as necessary for their own defence; independent verification of all individual claims from the war zone remains limited.
The visit is relevant to the Netherlands because Germany plays a central role in European support for Ukraine and in discussions about Europe's future security order. The key question is whether Berlin will make new commitments on Tuesday, or mainly seek to demonstrate political unity. More can only be said after the joint press conference.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Zelensky is visiting Berlin and speaking with Merz.
- The meeting is taking place before new US-backed talks between Russia and Ukraine.
- Germany is among the most important European supporters of Ukraine.
Left
Arguments European support should protect Ukraine while also creating room for diplomacy, with an emphasis on international law and the protection of civilians.
Values International cooperation, human rights and a lasting peace.
Consequences More support could strengthen Ukraine at the negotiating table, but may prolong the military confrontation if diplomacy fails to deliver.
Centre
Arguments Germany should continue supporting Ukraine, but military aid and diplomacy should proceed in parallel and remain within European agreements.
Values Continuity, European unity and containing the risk of escalation.
Consequences A joint European position could strengthen the negotiating position, but requires sustained financial and political commitment.
Right
Arguments Only credible military support can move Russia towards serious negotiations; Germany must prevent Europe from becoming dependent on American decisions.
Values National and European security, deterrence and strategic autonomy.
Consequences More defensive support could strengthen deterrence, but entails higher costs and greater risks of escalation.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article's central claim has been confirmed by Reuters and the German government. Details of any new agreements are explicitly presented as not yet known.
- confirmed Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting Berlin on 3 November. — Reuters reports the visit; the German government announced a press conference with Zelensky. source
- confirmed Zelensky is speaking with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. — The German government mentions a joint press conference. source
- confirmed New talks between Russia and Ukraine are being mediated by the United States. — Reuters describes the talks as US-mediated. source
- confirmed No concrete new German commitments were officially known around midday. — The official and independent sources consulted mention no new commitments for this meeting. source
Editor's note
It is certain that Zelensky will visit Berlin on Tuesday and speak with Merz. Concrete agreements had not yet been officially reported when this edition was closed.Sources
- Ukraine's Zelenskiy visits Germany for show of support ahead of peace talks — Reuters via AOL
- Die Bundesregierung informiert — Duitse federale regering
More on this in Dutch media
- De Telegraaf — „oekraïne duitsland”
- AD — „oekraïne duitsland”
- de Volkskrant — „oekraïne duitsland”