Merz calls on Xi Jinping to help facilitate a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia
Photo: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a phone conversation with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. He called for support of the efforts by Europe and the United States to achieve a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, states German government spokesman Stefan Cornelius, according to Stern.
According to him, this was Merz’s first phone conversation with Xi Jinping since he assumed office as Germany’s Chancellor.
During the conversation, Merz informed the Chinese leader about the joint efforts of Europe and the United States to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine as soon as possible and called for support of these efforts.
The German Chancellor and Xi Jinping also emphasized their readiness to cooperate in partnership to address global challenges. Additionally, the economic relations between the two countries were discussed.
Ukraine-Russia negotiations
On May 16, the first round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia took place in Istanbul. During the meeting, the parties agreed on a large prisoner exchange on a 1000 for 1000 basis, as well as to continue negotiations on a ceasefire.
Recently, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is already discussing with partners the possibility of holding a new round of negotiations.
According to him, three locations are currently being considered for such a meeting: Istanbul, the Vatican, or Switzerland. At the same time, Ukraine requires the highest level of representation from all delegations.
