Ukraine Plans Meeting of Contact Group on Ending War

The authorities of Ukraine are planning to hold a meeting of the contact group in December, which will shape a common stance on the diplomatic conclusion of the Russia-Ukraine war. This was announced by the press secretary of the Ukrainian president, Sergey Nikiforov, on December 9 according to 'European Truth'.

According to Nikiforov, Kyiv is preparing to invite a working group of key European partners, who, together with the United States, are 'capable of ensuring the maximum strengthening of our state'.

'The final list of participants is still being formed, but these are the countries that have long-range capabilities, countries that are making the largest investments in Ukrainian arms production and countries on which our future in NATO depends,' said Nikiforov.

The contact group meeting in December is necessary for 'coordination and the development of a unified position' and aims to strengthen Ukraine 'in any developments of events — both in negotiations and on the battlefield,' added the press secretary of the Ukrainian president.

The announcement of the working group’s creation became known during a joint press conference in Kyiv on December 9 between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German politician Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union. According to Ukrinform, Merz proposed creating a contact group comprising Germany, France, Poland, and the United Kingdom, to enable 'the exchange of opinions' on the conclusion of the war and 'develop a common vision with the United States'. Zelensky responded by stating that Ukraine is already working towards establishing such a group.

In his address on December 9, Zelensky mentioned that the contact group could include Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, and possibly Denmark and other partners.