The key facts

  • Berlin: Ukraine decides the territorial question itself
  • Meyer refused to discuss possible territorial concessions, calling the question speculative
  • Talks in Abu Dhabi will take place on November 10–11 with US mediation

Berlin's position

The German government has confirmed that it does not intend to predetermine the outcome of the territorial settlement between Ukraine and Russia. As reported, German government spokesman Steffen Meyer said at a press conference that Ukraine sovereignly decides matters concerning its territory, including at the ongoing talks (Gazeta.Ru).

Refusal to discuss hypothetical scenarios

When asked whether Berlin could envision a full, partial, or temporary cession of territory by Ukraine, Meyer declined to answer, calling such a question speculative. In doing so, the German side separated the principle of Kyiv's sovereignty from any assessment of specific compromises that might be reached in the negotiations.

Context of the Abu Dhabi talks

The statement came ahead of a meeting between Russian and Ukrainian representatives, mediated by the United States, scheduled for November 10 and 11 in Abu Dhabi. This is the first trilateral meeting after a break of nearly nine months; the parties intend to discuss terms for a ceasefire, security guarantees, and humanitarian issues. According to Politico, cited by Gazeta.Ru, American officials had earlier approached Russia with the question of whether it would allow Ukraine to be granted NATO-style security guarantees, and this request may be raised during the talks. Earlier, Britain stated that both sides held a 'flexible' position on the territorial question.