Merz sees no sign Russia is serious about a ceasefire as he and Zelenskyy call for Europe to help shape a peace deal

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Tuesday he had seen no sign that Russia was serious about negotiating a ceasefire in Ukraine, speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin.

Both leaders said Europe must help shape any lasting peace. The US, Ukraine and Russia are due to meet in Abu Dhabi next week, and Germany expects European representatives to be there without a seat at the negotiating table.

"It is important that Russia finally and seriously engages in negotiations about a ceasefire and a subsequent peace agreement," Merz said when asked about the Abu Dhabi talks. "I do not see that happening so far."

What role do Merz and Zelenskyy want Europe to play?

Merz said decisions on sanctions and postwar security required European participation. Zelenskyy said European advisers could be briefed by Kyiv during the talks or take part directly. He said Ukraine would need European security guarantees as well as US backing.

Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian, Russian and US officials would meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11. He said Kyiv wanted a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure, safe passage for grain shipments through the Black Sea and further prisoner exchanges. Merz said a local ceasefire in Oleshky could serve as a model for a broader truce and warned that Russian attacks in the Black Sea risked worsening global food insecurity.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine would join the US, European partners and NATO for talks on security guarantees and reconstruction in Brussels on Wednesday. Germany plans to host a summit of Ukraine's allies on November 19.

What did Germany pledge in Berlin?

Merz pledged further winter aid and said Germany would soon deliver new assistance for air defense and energy supplies. Zelenskyy said Ukraine urgently needed more interceptors for systems such as the US-made Patriot. Germany says it has already supplied all the Patriot systems it can spare without weakening its own air defenses.

The leaders met hours after Russia launched a wave of missiles and drones at Ukraine. At least 73 people were injured in a strike on a hospital in Kharkiv, regional prosecutors said, and 226 patients had to be transferred to other hospitals.

Merz warned that Russian attacks in the Black Sea risked further escalation. "Russia is precipitating a global food crisis, to the detriment of the poorest nations and countries in the world," he said.

Zelenskyy told EU leaders in October that Ukraine would need an additional €70 billion ($78 billion) from European governments next year. Germany plans to host a summit of countries backing Ukraine in mid-November to discuss further support ahead of winter.

How has Berlin stepped up security?

The visit coincides with the opening of the two-day Berlin Security Conference, which brings together European officials and defense experts. Russia's war in Ukraine is high on the agenda.

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Police said about 3,400 additional officers were deployed for the visit and the conference, with reinforcements from across Germany.

Armed officers guarded barriers around parts of the government district, and special police units deployed snipers. Roads were also closed in western Berlin, including near the Kurfürstendamm shopping avenue.

How does the visit fit into the peace talks?

US special envoy Steve Witkoff said advisers from Ukraine, Russia and the United States would meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11 to discuss postwar security, steps to reduce tensions and humanitarian aid.

US envoys are due to discuss security guarantees and reconstruction with European and NATO representatives in Brussels this week. Berlin expects European representatives to be in Abu Dhabi, though they are unlikely to have a seat at the negotiating table.