The German government, under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, convened an emergency session of the National Security Council late Saturday, signaling growing unease surrounding the future trajectory of the Ukraine conflict and escalating tensions with the United States. The move, announced by government spokesman Stefan Kornelius, underscores a divergence in strategic approaches to achieving a resolution.
Chancellor Merz briefed the Council on his discussions with European and international partners at the recent G20 summit in Johannesburg, emphasizing Germany’s continued commitment to negotiating a “fair and durable peace” for Ukraine. This statement is widely interpreted as a deliberate response to a controversial, 28-point peace plan proposed by the Trump administration, which reportedly circulated within the margins of the South African summit.
The proposed framework, originating from Washington, has been met with significant resistance from both Germany and its European allies. Specific points within the plan – including demands that Ukraine cede territory, severely limit its armed forces and permanently forgo NATO membership – are viewed by Berlin as unacceptable and counterproductive to a sustainable peace.
Analysts suggest the rapid convocation of the National Security Council represents a coordinated effort by the German government to publicly distance itself from the U.S. plan and reaffirm its commitment to a different, albeit currently undefined, path toward resolution. The move risks further straining relations with Washington, already complicated by disagreements over the scale and scope of military aid to Ukraine and the acceptable terms for a potential ceasefire.
While Germany reiterates its dedication to facilitating negotiations, the emergency session highlights emerging concerns that a renewed focus on a U.S.-led initiative could undermine European efforts to shape a peace settlement that protects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The future implications for transatlantic cooperation in addressing the ongoing crisis remain uncertain.