Merz sees first real chance for peace in Ukraine after talks with Trump
Friedrich Merz and Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he sees the emergence of a "first chance for peace" between Russia and Ukraine after G7 leaders and US President Donald Trump agreed on the next steps, 20 Minuten reports.
What Merz said
The chancellor said that European leaders and US President Donald Trump discussed the next steps toward ending the war in Ukraine.
According to him, the parties agreed to continue supporting Ukraine while simultaneously increasing pressure on Russia.
Merz also expressed confidence that cooperation between Europe and the United States in the peace process would become even closer in the future.
Trump's position
The chancellor also highlighted the US president's position on the war.
"What gives all of us reason for confidence are President Trump's words: Russia must end this war. And I believe that is a clear signal," Merz said.
Pressure on Russia
According to the chancellor, the discussions also covered possible new sanctions against Russia and further steps to push Moscow toward negotiations.
Merz believes that Russia will not be able to achieve victory through military means, while economic pressure and sanctions are creating conditions for a possible peace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that he and Zelenskyy appealed to the American leader to support efforts aimed at advancing the negotiation process between Ukraine and Russia.
In addition, Trump hinted that the United States could reinstate sanctions on Russian oil that had been suspended during the war with Iran.
Zelenskyy also announced a new meeting with Trump on June 17.
