German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Russia to agree to an energy ceasefire following a phone conversation with President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, Oct. 12, as Moscow continued striking Ukraine’s civilian and energy infrastructure.
“I spoke with President Zelensky about the Russian airstrikes on civilian targets and Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Russia must agree to the ceasefire for the energy infrastructure – an important step toward lasting peace in Ukraine,” Merz wrote on X.
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According to the German government’s official readout, both leaders agreed that it was now up to Russia to accept a ceasefire covering all energy infrastructure.
Merz reaffirmed Germany’s solidarity with Ukraine, while Zelensky thanked Berlin for its military assistance and support for Ukraine’s energy sector ahead of winter.
Zelensky says Russia responds to Trump’s ceasefire announcement with attacks
The conversation followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an energy ceasefire, a claim neither Kyiv nor Moscow had confirmed.
Despite the announcement, Russian forces continued attacking Ukrainian energy facilities, prompting Zelensky to question Moscow’s commitment to any agreement.
“This is exactly how the Russians behave when pressure eases. It is very important that Europe continue to act on principle,” Zelensky said, according to the Ukrainian presidency.
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In a letter to European Council President António Costa, the three leaders also urged faster permits and a temporary suspension of some EU rules under a new “priority rule.”
Earlier Monday, Zelensky said Russian forces had struck six Ukrainian energy facilities in a single day, including a gas-production site and other infrastructure, despite Washington’s declaration.
Ukraine has repeatedly offered to suspend long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries and export facilities if Moscow stops attacking Ukraine’s electricity grid and critical infrastructure.
Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum on Monday, Zelensky called for stronger European and US pressure on Russia to secure a genuine ceasefire.
He warned that easing pressure on Moscow would only encourage further escalation.
Berlin and Kyiv plan further security coordination
The leaders also discussed diplomatic efforts toward a lasting peace and agreed to maintain close coordination with European and transatlantic partners.
According to the Ukrainian presidency, Merz said Germany was working to organize another meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, which is coordinating support and potential post-war security guarantees for Ukraine.
Merz and Zelensky also agreed to convene a meeting of national security advisers in the E3–Ukraine format, bringing together Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Ukraine.
They discussed Ukraine’s financial resilience as Russian attacks continue threatening electricity and heating supplies ahead of winter.
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