Merz open to calling Putin about war in Ukraine, only in coordination with Europe and US
Photo: Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is ready to call Russian dictator Vladimir Putin regarding ending the war in Ukraine, according to his interview with ZDF.
Merz noted that he is prepared to take such a step, but will do so in coordination with Europe and in agreement with US President Donald Trump.
"If the opportunity arises, I will do it. But in coordination with all European partners. We are speaking with one voice here. And if it comes to that, I will also act in agreement with the President of the United States," Merz responded when asked whether he is ready to call the Kremlin leader.
What else German Chancellor says
Today, Friedrich Merz stated he is ready to meet with Vladimir Putin. However, only if such a meeting would help bring an end to the war in Ukraine.
"If there is a need, if it would help to end this war, I am ready to do a lot," the German Chancellor said.
At the same time, Merz emphasized that the focus should first be on achieving a ceasefire.
Visit by representatives of Germany, France, Poland, and UK to Ukraine
Today, Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, President of France Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv.
Together with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, they held a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. Shortly after, they held a phone conversation with Trump, after which they proposed that Russia begin a full and unconditional ceasefire starting this Monday, May 12. A deadline was set for Russia. If the aggressor country refuses, it faces new sanctions.
The Kremlin stated that it would consider the proposal.
