German Chancellor sees progress in Ukraine-Russia talks
Photo: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Vitaliy Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The meeting between Ukrainian and Russian representatives in Istanbul was the first step toward a potential resolution of the conflict. However, the success of the negotiations largely depends on maintaining a strong alliance between Europe and the United States, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated, according to ZDF heute.
Merz welcomed the initial talks between Ukrainian and Russian representatives, which took place today, May 16, in Istanbul, calling them a first positive signal.
"The fact that they are meeting today - for the first time in three and a half years - is a very small, but a first positive signal," Merz said.
At the same time, the Chancellor emphasized that Europeans must continue working closely with the US administration under President Donald Trump.
"We must do everything we can to keep the Americans on our side… We cannot replace or displace what the Americans have been doing for us in Europe, on our continent, and for our peace and freedom," Merz concluded.
Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia
Today, delegations from Ukraine and Russia held their first direct talks in Istanbul.
At the end of the meeting, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that the countries had agreed to exchange prisoners in the 1000-for-1000 format.
The talks also raised the issue of a possible meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Read more about the talks in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
