Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel noted that "the progress Ukraine needs won’t be achieved with more weapons.” She noted that in her view, "there is no way to win this militarily – that’s the bitter truth," and that "the international community has to think of a different approach."
In meetings with the Ukrainian and Russian leadership last week, Merkel and French President Francois Hollande presented a plan for peace in Eastern Ukraine, involving a 50-70 kilometer demilitarized zone, along with autonomy for the area, Hollande told French television on Saturday.
Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz told reporters on Monday that weapons act as "a fire accelerant and would contribute to a further escalation," noting that "weapon deliveries cannot be an option." Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak echoed the Austrian official's comments, noting that "sending arms to one party inevitably pushes the other party to get more arms from other suppliers."
Chancellor Merkel is set to discuss the situation in Ukraine with US President Barack Obama in Washington on Monday.
The leaders of the 27 countries of the EU are expected to discuss the situation in Ukraine on Thursday.