Ceasefire talks in Ukraine could drag on for months - German Chancellor

Merz made the statement in Vilnius, where he arrived to attend the 45th German Mechanized Brigade deploying in Lithuania.

The Chancellor said that there are no illusions about Russia's war against Ukraine and that there is no quick fix.

"This is a process that has only just begun and may take many more weeks, perhaps even months," Merz said.

He added that Germany insists on a diplomatic settlement of the war, "but we know we cannot achieve it in a short space of time." Merz also emphasized the importance of Western unity. According to him, coordination with EU partners and communication with US lawmakers will remain central elements of the German strategy.

"It is also in America’s interest that we continue to move forward together," Merz emphasized, adding that his conversations with members of the US Congress have demonstrated broad support for the continuation of the alliance.

Ceasefire in Ukraine

The negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul on May 16 failed to reach a ceasefire. These were the first direct talks between the countries in three years.

RBC-Ukraine's sources confirmed that Russia had set unacceptable conditions for Ukraine. According to the sources, the Russian delegation demanded that Ukraine accept neutral status, give up five regions (and those territories not controlled by Russia), withdraw Ukrainian troops from these territories, refuse compensation, and protect the rights of Russian speakers.

Ukraine is demanding a ceasefire as the first step to resolving the war. But the Russians do not agree to this condition.

On May 19, US President Donald Trump called Russia's Vladimir Putin. After their conversation, Putin made a statement about a memorandum between Russia and Ukraine, which could include the issue of a ceasefire and principles of settlement, and his alleged readiness to work on such a memorandum.