Berlin: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed support for a trilateral meeting involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and US President Donald Trump.
According to Deutsche Welle, Merz, alongside other European leaders, emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic efforts to secure peace in Ukraine. The backing for this meeting follows an unsuccessful US-Russia summit in Alaska.
The effort to bring the three leaders together comes amid ongoing tensions and conflict in Ukraine. Merz highlighted the need for a swift peace agreement, noting that a mere ceasefire would not suffice without substantial diplomatic progress. He also criticized Russia's recent military actions in Ukraine, describing them as a sign of disrespect towards diplomatic negotiations.
Merz acknowledged the readiness of the United States to provide security guarantees to Ukraine, although detailed discussions on potential territorial concessions have not yet occurred. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has consistently refused to cede any land to Russia, further complicating negotiations. Merz underscored the importance of cooperation between the US and European allies in finding a resolution.
The Chancellor, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, released a joint statement supporting Ukraine's inclusion in any future US-Russia dialogues. They insisted that international borders must not be altered by force and reaffirmed Ukraine's right to determine its territorial future.
In a post on the social media platform X, Merz expressed gratitude for President Trump's efforts to halt the conflict and achieve a sustainable peace, reiterating solidarity with Ukraine and commitment to European security interests. The collaborative stance among European leaders signals a unified approach towards addressing the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and securing peace in the region.