European leaders have submitted a proposal to the United States outlining potential territorial concessions Ukraine is prepared to make, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz revealed on Thursday. The development comes amid intensified diplomatic efforts to address security concerns while maintaining transatlantic unity.
Merz, speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Berlin, confirmed the proposal followed high-level consultations with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. "We've made clear to President Trump that any decisions regarding Ukrainian territories must originate from Kyiv and its people," Merz stated, emphasizing respect for Ukraine's sovereignty.
Further negotiations with US officials are scheduled for this weekend, with a potential meeting in Berlin early next week. The chancellor stressed that any agreement must "protect European security interests without weakening EU or NATO cohesion," reflecting concerns about maintaining collective defense frameworks.
While Merz did not disclose specific details of the proposal, he noted that US participation hinges on "joint drafting of technical documents currently in progress." The announcement follows months of heightened tensions in Eastern Europe, with analysts suggesting 2025 could prove pivotal for resolving the protracted conflict.
