European leaders from key military powers are set to convene in Berlin on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and preparations for an upcoming NATO summit, according to the German government. Chancellor Friedrich Merz will host the heads of state from France, Britain, Italy, and Poland for the meeting, a government spokesman confirmed on Monday. The recent resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not impacted the planned summit.

Government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius told a briefing that the agenda will focus primarily on the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as strategizing ahead of the NATO summit scheduled for July 7 and 8 in Ankara. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected to join the discussions via video conference. The meeting is due to begin at 4:45 p.m. local time (14:45 GMT) and will be followed by a joint press conference at 6 p.m. GMT.

In addition to military coordination, diplomatic efforts are also under consideration. A European Union official disclosed that Antonio Costa, the head of the EU, has initiated limited diplomatic contacts with Moscow aimed at establishing open lines of communication. However, this approach has generated hesitancy among some EU member states. Diplomats noted there was resistance to Costa’s overtures during last week’s EU summit in Brussels, reflecting caution among several leaders about engaging directly with the Kremlin amid ongoing tensions.

The Berlin talks come amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty, with the Ukraine conflict continuing to influence European security policies and alliances. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to shape the messaging and collective stance heading into the NATO gathering in Turkey next month.