The German government is open to a possible meeting between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Russian President Vladimir Putin following the latest Ukraine negotiations in Abu Dhabi.

Axar.az reports, citing Die Zeit, that government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said an understanding had been reached in Abu Dhabi on the basic principles of a possible settlement, adding that these had been shared with the Russian president.

“This understanding will now also be shared with the Russian president, and talks can develop on that basis,” Kornelius said.

The Kremlin has previously indicated that Putin is open to contacts with both the European Union and Merz. The German chancellor has also said he would not refuse a meeting with Putin if an opportunity arose, including during the G20 summit in Miami in December.

Meanwhile, European countries, the United States and Ukraine have agreed on four principles for further negotiations. These include discussing peace in Ukraine before addressing European and transatlantic security arrangements, and ensuring that any potential agreement has the consensus of all NATO allies.

The principles have not yet been agreed with Russia.