Ukraine, EU summit: use of Russian assets to lend to Kiev only option. Moscow rejects Christmas truce

The survival of Ukraine, but also the credibility of the European Union, depends on it. European leaders must come out of the summit on Thursday and Friday with the OK for the 90 billion loan on frozen Russian assets to enable Ukraine to survive the next two years. This is the only hypothesis being worked on, because the other proposal by the European Commission, that of resorting to a loan guaranteed by the EU budget, i.e. public debt, is far from the unanimous support required for this option. And it is described as 'unrealistic' by European officials. On Russian assets, on the other hand, a qualified majority is sufficient. But the point is that it would be completely unprecedented to exclude Belgium from a measure that touches the company under Belgian law, Euroclear, which is the custodian of Russian central bank assets. "I think all leaders are well aware of the disproportionate stakes of Belgium in a reparation solution. Certainly the President of the European Council, he is well aware of this,' notes a senior EU official. European Council President Antonio Costa is prepared to go to any lengths to find an agreement, and is aiming for an 'ideal' agreement at 27, which becomes more realistic at 26, without Hungary, which, by the way, is already blocking conclusions on Ukraine and enlargement.

"I value the Berlin summit as a great success: we have made a significant step forward on security guarantees for Ukraine". German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this in an interview with Zdf after the summit with European leaders, EU, NATO and US negotiators. Merz emphasised the readiness of the US to provide guarantees similar to NATO's Article 5, protecting Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. He added: 'Within the framework of these guarantees, we could, for example, ensure a demilitarised zone between the parties to the conflict. And very concretely, we would also respond to any Russian aggression or attacks'. On the territorial issue, Merz made it clear that the decision lies exclusively with Ukraine: 'We cannot and must not decide over Ukraine's head on territorial issues. President Zelensky is willing to consider the so-called 'line of contact' as a basis for a ceasefire, but this does not amount to a legal recognition of Russian annexations, which would be contrary to the Ukrainian constitution'.

The participation of the Europeans in the Ukraine negotiations 'does not bode well' in terms of results that can be accepted by Moscow. This was said by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, quoted by the Ria Novosti news agency. Responding to the question of when new contacts between Russia and the US are expected, Peskov stressed that first Moscow will have to examine "what will be the outcome of the negotiations that the Americans are conducting with the Ukrainians, with the participation of the Europeans".

At the moment, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to address the European Council by teleconference and not participate in person, for logistical reasons. This was stated by a senior EU official.

On the financing of Ukraine and the possible use of Russian assets there will be no postponement: at the European Council that opens on Thursday 'a decision will have to be made' on the direction to be taken. This is what European sources reiterate, while contacts continue between European Council President Antonio Costa and Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen to find a solution.

Yesterday, at the end of the meeting in Berlin, Costa, Von der Leyen and other European leaders (Denmark's Frederiksen, Finland's Stubb, France's Macron, Germany's Merz, Meloni, the Netherlands' Schoof, Norway's Store, Poland's Tusk, sweden's Kristersson and Britain's Starmer) issued a joint statement hailing the 'significant progress' made by Donald Trump in the search for peace while reaffirming 'strong support' for Kiev in the war against Russia's 'illegal invasion'. In fact, the assessment of the progress of the negotiations seems to have been marked by an excess of optimism. But above all, Europe, in the coming days, faces the entirely internal problem of how to continue the support.

"We are making progress, including on security guarantees. It is clear that the path towards peace is not entirely straightforward, but last night's meeting in Berlin was productive'. This was stated by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, updating the government on the Berlin talks on Ukraine, according to his office.

Recourse to the full use of Russian assets tied up by European sanctions is in fact the only option on the table, as the other, i.e. a loan based on the EU budget, does not have sufficient support as a unanimous vote of the states is required. This was indicated by an EU source involved in the preparations for the summit of the 27 to be held on Thursday and Friday in Brussels. The use of Russian assets only requires a qualified majority and it has 'a considerable and substantial majority of governments in favour'. The same source explained that the option of a loan through the EU budget was immediately discarded because it did not receive consensus. The same, in fact, applies to other hypotheses, which, moreover, were not proposed by the Commission for similar reasons. While voting in favour of the indefinite sanction immobilising the assets of the Russian central bank,

Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy and Malta would like the Commission and the Council to continue "to explore and discuss alternative options in line with EU and international law, with predictable parameters and presenting significantly lower risks, to address Ukraine's financing needs, on the basis of an EU loan facility or bridging solutions, so as to ensure continuity of support before one of the options on the table can actually come into effect". However, this option is currently discarded.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that 'mutual attacks' between Russia and Ukraine 'seriously threaten the safety of shipping' in the Black Sea, following an increase in attacks against ships in Turkey's Exclusive Economic Zone. "Hitting merchant ships and civilians does not benefit anyone," Erdogan said during a meeting with ambassadors in Ankara, reiterating that Turkey has already "informed both sides" about the consequences of such actions. The Turkish president also recalled Ankara's mediating role, which allowed for the exchange of prisoners and the opening of humanitarian corridors, stressing how the strict application of the Montreux Convention had prevented the extension of the conflict to the Black Sea. Erdogan's warning came after an out-of-control drone was shot down by Turkish defence systems, and a Turkish cargo ship, the Cenk-T, caught fire in the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk following a Russian drone and missile attack. The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the incidents, calling these attacks proof of the legitimacy of Ankara's maritime security concerns.

As reported by Ukrinform, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius provided a relevant update on Germany's military support for Ukraine during the opening of the 32nd meeting of the Ukrainian Defence Contact Group (UDCG) in the 'Ramstein' format.

"Since the last UDCG meeting, we have significantly strengthened Ukraine's air defence, through the delivery of two Patriot systems promised in August, also made possible by our Norwegian partners, as well as through the delivery of the ninth IRIS-T system."

Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative, speaking in The Hague today, said that Russia "cannot avoid paying the bill" for the war in Ukraine. Kallas was speaking in The Hague on the occasion of the establishment of an International Commission on Ukraine's Claims.

The commission, which will validate war damages in Ukraine to be paid by Russia, sends a message to future aggressors, Kallas said, that 'if you start a war, you will be held responsible for it'.

Volodymyr Zelensky said, speaking to reporters from Berlin, that proposals negotiated with the US on a peace agreement could be finalised within a few days, after which US envoys would present them to the Kremlin. The Guardian reports. The Ukrainian leader said that the US Congress must vote on security guarantees and that he expected a set of final documents to be prepared 'today or tomorrow'. After that, he said, the US should hold consultations with the Russians, followed by high-level meetings that could take place as early as this weekend.

The UK has announced a GBP 600 million (almost EUR 700 million) military aid package to equip Ukraine with new air defence capabilities to help shoot down Russian drones during the winter. This was announced by British Defence Minister John Healey, who said that Kiev will receive 'automated air defence systems, missiles and turrets to shoot down drones'. Healey is today co-chairing with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius the 32nd meeting of the Ukrainian Defence Contact Group.

The International War Damage Compensation Commission for Ukraine is born: the founding convention promoted by the Council of Europe was adopted in The Hague. The new body will have to quantify the damage from the Russian invasion and examine claims for compensation on the basis of the damage register, which already has over 86,000 reports. "This is a historic step," said Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset. The compensation fund will be established in 2026 and could also be financed with frozen Russian assets.

The leaders of the countries that are members of the Coalition of the Willing have expressed their readiness to send support forces to Ukraine as part of the security guarantees after the end of the war. This was stated by the deputy head of the office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva, as reported by RBC-Ukraine. "Without revealing details, European leaders participating in the Coalition of the Willing format - and there is the so-called Ukraine Multifunctional Group - support the deployment of support forces," Zhovkva said. "We clearly know which European countries can help Ukraine maintain peace and in which formats. After all, this format will only work after a ceasefire is reached on Ukrainian territory and, in the future, we must prevent Russian aggression from happening again," the deputy head of the presidential office stressed.

"I see Russia as a country that has completely failed this war" which turned out to be "a boomerang. We thought there was a great power that in reality there is not. They say that Hitler and Napoleon did not succeed in invading Russia and that is true' but 'equally true is that Russia did not show great capabilities either, on the contrary'. This was said by Chamber of Deputies Speaker Lorenzo Fontana when questioned during a meeting with the parliamentary press on Matteo Salvini's positions defined as 'unquestionable' by Maria Zakharova. Before 2022, according to Fontana, "everyone thought it would take a bite out of Ukraine", instead "the advance is limited".

The outlook regarding security guarantees for Ukraine 'is very positive. The Americans will be part of it' and 'have made it clear' that there will be a mechanism similar 'to Article 5 of NATO, which is also the Italian proposal. The Americans are indispensable above all for air defence, for the protection of airspace. So we are working hard so that the objectives can be achieved'. This was said by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on the sidelines of the Ambassadors' Conference, speaking to journalists about the outcomes of the meetings in Berlin on Ukraine with European leaders, American representatives and Volodymyr Zelensky. Tajani emphasised that Italy's 'position was once again important in the European negotiations. I would say that, especially with regard to the security of Ukraine and Europe, Italy's proposals were accepted because they were common-sense proposals'.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking in the Dutch parliament, said that the negotiations were 'the most intensive and focused' since the beginning of the war.

Regarding the negotiations, Zelensky emphasised that 'we are not talking about a pause or a temporary, uncertain solution; we are working closely with partners to finally end this Russian war against Ukraine'. Zelensky, in this regard, stated that 'it is not enough to force Russia into an agreement. It is not enough to make it stop killing', but 'we must make Russia accept that there are rules in the world and that it cannot fool everyone. This is the road to lasting peace'.

The Kremlin says no to a Christmas truce, emphasising that Russia is rather committed to a long-term peace. This was reported by the Russian news agency Tass. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, commenting on the idea of a Christmas truce, said: 'Our position is well known, consistent, transparent and understandable to the Americans. And, in principle, it is also understandable to the Ukrainians, we are convinced of that. If the Ukrainians have a prevailing desire to replace reaching an agreement with short-term and unsustainable solutions, it is unlikely that we will be willing to participate'. "We want peace, we do not want a ceasefire, so to speak, to give Ukraine a breather and prepare to continue the war. We want to stop this war, achieve our goals, secure our interests and secure peace in Europe for the future. This is what we want,' Peskov added.

Hungary does not support the conclusions on enlargement due to be adopted today at the Brussels meeting of European affairs ministers. "We have on the table a draft of Council conclusions that at the moment is only supported by 26. It is Hungary that does not support the document at the moment," Marie Bjerre, Danish Minister of European Affairs, said on behalf of the EU Council presidency. "The reason why Budapest does not support" the conclusions "is because we also want strong wording on Ukraine, which is fair and equitable," explained the minister, who again appealed to Hungary to support the text. Bjerre recalled "the strong support for Ukraine" shown during the informal meeting of European affairs ministers last week in Lviv, Ukraine. "Kiev is keeping its commitments," the minister stressed, adding that Kiev's path to EU membership "is not at a standstill, but is in full swing: it is working on a practical level, it is only formally" that the negotiation clusters "have not been opened"

Italian deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini's words on a possible war with Russia are 'unquestionable', Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. "Italian deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini: 'If Hitler and Napoleon failed to bring Moscow to its knees with their campaigns in Russia, it is unlikely that Kaya Kallas, Macron, Starmer and Merz will succeed'. The comparison is accurate, the conclusion is indisputable,' Zakharova writes on her Telegram channel.

There has been no phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin since the one, made public, on 16 October. This was said by the Russian president's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, after Trump said last night that he had spoken with the Kremlin chief recently. Tass reports.

"We will not underwrite, accept or even be satisfied with any presence of NATO troops on Ukrainian territory". This was said by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, stressing in an interview with Abc News that Moscow would not accept Alliance troops on Ukrainian soil even if they were part of a security guarantee or as members of the Coalition of the Willing. Ryabkov went on to reiterate that Russia has no intention of making concessions on Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Crimea: 'We absolutely cannot compromise on them'. In any case, the deputy minister showed optimism stating that the parties are 'on the verge' of reaching a diplomatic solution.

'Zelensky is welcome in the House of Representatives today, but he must never join the EU or NATO'. This was written on X by the leader of the Dutch ultra-right, Geert Wilders, ahead of the Ukrainian president's address to Parliament in The Hague. "Now it is up to the other countries to support him financially. The Netherlands has already contributed an incredible billions,' Wilders adds, calling for the available resources to go 'to the Dutch people'.

"Now that there has been talk of multinational troops in Berlin, why not have an EU army that really goes to safeguard the possible peace agreement with Russia? Why should soldiers not have the European flag on their uniform?" This was stated by Manfred Weber, president of the European People's Party, during a press conference in the Eurochamber, referring to the conclusions of yesterday's meeting between European leaders in the German capital. Weber's exhortation is part of his push to 'build the European defence pillar. We have taken the first steps in the right direction in 2025', with the Safe package, the work to build the anti-drone wall, the topic of the European NATO command. "But I still insist that we have to be much, much more ambitious," he continued, referring to the establishment of a European military force, but also to the need to do more on the foreign policy level. While acknowledging the achievement of the 19th sanctions package, Weber reiterates the need to 'get rid of unanimity on the Council side for foreign policy issues'. Afterwards he adds that in this 'historic' week the EPP does not believe there is 'any option to fail' on the decision to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine.

This weekend, peace talks in Ukraine may continue in Miami, US. According to a US official told the Axios agency, talks are likely to be held this weekend 'somewhere in the United States, it could be Miami, with working groups, military, looking at maps'.

Axios also heard a US official report that '90 per cent' of the issues between the US and Ukraine have been resolved, but some of the outstanding issues require further technical discussions.

All districts of Kupyansk, in the Kharkiv region, are said to be under the control of the Russian army, according to the Russian news agency Tass. Tass reports the statement of Battlegroup West spokesman Leonid Sharov. "I am at an advanced command post of the 121st Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 68th Motorized Rifle Division of the 6th Interforce Battlegroup West. Units of Battlegroup West continue to reach combat targets in the area of the special military operation. The city of Kupyansk is under the control of the 6th Interforce Army," said spokesman

"Excellent meeting tonight in Berlin. We are seeing real progress thanks to the alignment between Ukraine, Europe and the United States. Ukrainians courageously defend their independence every day. They deserve a peace worthy of their courage'. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen writes this on X.

83 Ukrainian drones were destroyed overnight in various regions of Russia. This was reported by the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, according to the Tass news agency.

Russian Defence Ministry air defence forces shot down a drone flying towards Moscow. This was announced by the mayor of Moscow, Sergey Sobyanin, according to the Tass news agency.

- 'Ukraine will not recognise the Donbass as Russian territory, either de jure or de facto'. This was stated - as reported by the Unian news agency - by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, answering journalists' questions on the sidelines of the Berlin summit. "We do not want to give up our Donbass. The Americans want to find a compromise and offer a free economic zone, which does not mean under the leadership of the Russian Federation,' Zelensky added. He then continued: "Despite everything, we will discuss the territorial issue. It is one of the key issues on which we have not yet reached a consensus'.

"For the first time since the beginning of the war, a ceasefire now seems possible. We want to proceed along the path to peace together with the Ukrainians, our European partners and the United States. I believe that today, in Berlin, we are taking an important step forward on this path'. This was written in a post on X by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

After about two hours, the summit on Ukraine ended in Berlin. The summit was attended by numerous European leaders (Germany, Italy, France, the UK, Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, representatives of the United States, and EU and NATO leaders to discuss the peace process for Kiev.

"We had a good conversation an hour ago with European leaders. Things are apparently going well. I spoke with Zelensky and the leaders of Germany, Italy, Nato, Finland, France, the UK, Poland, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands." US President Donald Trump said this.

After two days of intense talks in Berlin, the Americans and Ukrainians have realigned, and the chance of a truce at this point is 'real'. Indeed, 'it has never been greater than now', according to Friedrich Merz, who would like a ceasefire before Christmas and appealed to what 'remains of human decency' in Vladimir Putin to stop the bombing of civilians.

Volodymyr Zelensky did not contradict him: "It was not easy, but the meetings were very productive," was his comment in the evening, when he finally took the floor. The progress on security guarantees for Kiev is acknowledged by all, while the territorial issue clearly remains open, and in particular the knot in the Donbass: "The positions are different," the Ukrainian said bluntly. And although Russia did not sit at the table and has not yet had its say, the tone from Washington is more than optimistic: '90% of the issues between Moscow and Kiev have been resolved,' the US said in a call via a White House source. And Donald Trump, 'very satisfied' with the 'extraordinary work' of the Europeans, announced an overseas liaison with EU leaders at the dinner in the chancellery, where Giorgia Meloni also arrived.

"European and US leaders pledged to work together to provide strong security guarantees and measures to support economic recovery for Ukraine in the context of an agreement on ending the war,". This was stated in a statement by European leaders meeting at the Berlin summit. This, among other things, it is explained, would include a commitment to "provide continued and significant support to Ukraine to strengthen its armed forces, which should remain at the level of 800,000 troops in 'peacetime', and a European-led 'Ukrainian multinational force', composed of contributions from willing nations within the Coalition of the Willing and supported by the United States. As well as 'a US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism with international participation to provide early warning of any future attacks'.

The European leaders gathered at the Berlin summit "welcomed the significant progress made by President Trump to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They also welcomed the close cooperation between President Zelensky's and President Trump's teams, as well as with the European teams, in recent days and weeks." This was stated in a statement by Merz, Frederiksen, Stubb, Macron, Meloni, Schoof, St're, Tusk, Kristersson, Starmer, Costa and von der Leyen. The leaders 'agreed to work with President Trump and President Zelensky to achieve a lasting peace that preserves Ukrainian sovereignty and European security,' it further reads. 'The leaders appreciated the strong convergence between the United States, Ukraine and Europe.

"While negotiations are taking place in Berlin this evening, we Italians and Germans agree that no decision on Ukraine can be taken without Ukraine. No decision on European security without the involvement of us Europeans. Borders must not be changed by force'. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said this while addressing the Ambassadors' Conference at the Farnesina. "Regardless of how the current talks end, one thing must be clear to all of us: Russia remains an aggressive and imperialist country. Putin is, at the very least, creating the option for a war against Nato because he is rearming on an unprecedented scale, far beyond the necessities of his senseless war in Ukraine. We must prepare for this,' he stressed.

"It is clear that not all issues are easy. Some are very difficult, like the territorial issue. It is important that we all work to address them fairly. There are still different positions, I say this frankly, but everyone is willing to work constructively to find solutions." This was said by Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, in the chancellery in Berlin with Friedrich Merz. He stressed that Ukraine "is ready to work constructively to reach a final result".

"Next Thursday, as an emergency on Friday, we must reach a political agreement. It is a decisive issue for our ability to act in the EU. And we have to solve it now, so that all EU states participate and the risk is distributed." Friedrich Merz said this about the use of Russian assets in Berlin. "Let us not delude ourselves, if we do not succeed, the EU's ability to act will be massively damaged for years. And we will have shown that, at a decisive hour in our history, we do not know how to stand together to defend our political order. That is why this week is so important for all of us'.

Further reading

Frozen Russian assets, what they are and what is Italy's position

13 December 2025

90 per cent of the issues have been resolved between Russia and Ukraine, senior US officials reported in a call regarding the Berlin talks on Ukraine.

"Tonight's dinner with Zelensky will include discussions on next steps, he will also call Trump," senior US officials reported in a call regarding the Berlin talks on Ukraine.

"We believe that the Russians will accept security guarantees for Kiev in the final agreement," senior US officials said in a call regarding the Berlin talks on Ukraine. The same leaders reported that Moscow would be open to Ukraine joining the EU.

"A very positive meeting on many issues," senior US officials reported in a call also attended by Ansa regarding the Berlin talks on Ukraine. "The work of our colleagues, from Germany, France, Britain, was extraordinary," they said.

"Over the past two days, the negotiations between Ukraine and the US have been constructive and productive, with concrete progress. We hope to reach an agreement that will bring us closer to peace by the end of the day'. Ukrainian chief negotiator Rustem Umerov wrote this on X, urging people "not to be fooled by rumours and provocations" circulating "in the media with anonymous speculations".

The EU Council sanctioned a further five individuals and four entities responsible for supporting the Russian shadow fleet and its value chain in order to further restrict Russia's ability to generate revenue. It then sanctioned twelve individuals and two entities for information manipulation and cyber attacks. The clampdown came as EU leaders seek to enter the ongoing US-led negotiations on Ukraine.

Negotiations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the US delegation led by the US president's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Donald Trump's son-in-law and advisor, Jared Kushner, were concluded in Berlin. Ukrinform reports this, citing a source in the Ukrainian delegation in Berlin.

International justice is preparing to take a new step in support of Ukraine. Tomorrow, at a high-level conference in The Hague, a Council of Europe commission will be set up to examine and assess claims submitted by victims of Russian aggression. This is the second phase of the mechanism - also promoted by Italy - that saw the creation of the register of damages in 2023. The ceremony is also expected to be attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is also expected to hold a press conference with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof in the late morning. The initiative will reportedly start with unprecedented numbers: more than 30 countries are already ready to support it, one of the highest membership levels ever recorded for a Council of Europe treaty - 228 so far - in its 76-year history. The damage register is already operational and collects reports submitted by citizens, businesses and institutions - via the Ukrainian administration's Diia app - ranging from the destruction of housing and infrastructure to physical and sexual violence and serious human rights violations. The new commission will be tasked with verifying complaints, ascertaining the extent of the damage and establishing compensation. It will be made up of commissioners appointed by the signatory states, with wide-ranging expertise: experts in damage assessment and arbitration, jurists, specialists in victim support, flanked by figures with medical, psychological and social profiles, who are essential for dealing with cases of moral damage. The full launch will be subject to parliamentary ratification and could take about a year. The path, however, is already outlined: in 2026 the third phase is planned, with the establishment of a compensation fund that could also be fed by frozen Russian assets.

"It is crucial to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests. I appreciate Germany's firm support for this position'. So writes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on X, reporting on a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and appreciation for Germany's leadership "in support of our people". "I updated the president on our work with the United States aimed at achieving a dignified peace, reliable security guarantees and - he concludes - economic recovery." Also on X Zelensky reports that he met with Bundestag President Julia Kloeckner, with whom he discussed the "mechanisms that would make it possible to use frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine". "We also spoke," she added, "about working together with partners to end the war. "I thank Julia Klöckner and the Bundestag for their support for Ukraine, in particular," he concluded, "for the allocation of 11.5 billion in military aid for next year.

In the key city of Kupiansk in north-eastern Ukraine, where Kiev claimed last week to have recaptured some quarters from the Russian army, only between 100 and 200 Russian soldiers remain. This was emphasised by Viktor Trehoubov, spokesman of the Ukrainian forces for this area.

In support of this claim, Trehoubov explained that Ukrainian intelligence reported 40 names mentioned in radio recordings in the area. Now, 'there is usually one radio for every three or four people', he explained on national television, estimating that the number of remaining soldiers would be, according to him, 'closer to 100'.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at Bellevue Castle in Berlin, where he was welcomed by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The Ukrainian leader signed the guest book in front of photographers from the international press.

"The Europeans are deeply involved in these peace talks in Ukraine. And they also influence them'. This was said by German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius at a press conference in Berlin about the talks that have been going on since yesterday in the German capital on peace in Ucriana. Kornelius explicitly emphasised 'the role of the E3, Poland and Italy', which are also 'decisive'. European leaders of the so-called 'Washington format' are expected in the chancellery tonight, Merz also explained. The invitation to the Americans, who have been negotiating with the Ukrainians on peace since yesterday, 'has been made', he then confirmed

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will travel to Berlin to attend the leaders' meeting on Ukraine, hosted by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

"Russian aggression against Ukraine continues, with victims and immense destruction, and with the aberrant intention, despite ongoing negotiation efforts, to break the principle of refusing to redefine the balance and borders in Europe by force. This action was already considered irresponsible and inadmissible more than fifty years ago at the Helsinki Conference on Cooperation and Security on the Continent'. So said the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, speaking at the Ambassadors' Conference at the Farnesina.

For Russia, Ukraine's non-accession to NATO is 'the cornerstone' of the peace negotiations and requires precise legal guarantees. This was said by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, quoted by Russian media. The issue "requires special consideration, against the background of other issues," Peskov commented.

"There are and will be intense negotiations these days. We reaffirm our position. There are two solutions for financing Ukraine. One of these solutions is the joint loan against a budget margin, the other is based on Russian assets tied up in the EU's jurisdiction, and in support of this we have presented six legal acts to speed up the procedures". This was said by Commission spokesman Olof Gill in response to a question about the document, signed by Italy, Malta, Bulgaria and Belgium, asking the EU executive to find alternative solutions beyond the use of Russian assets.

The German government spokesman says that US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have been invited to this evening's talks between Volodymyr Zelensky and some European leaders in Berlin.

US negotiators continue to demand that Ukraine leave the Donbass region, a senior Kiev official tells Afp.