Merz urges Italy to step up role in Ukraine peace efforts
Photo: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz believes that Italy should be more involved in the settlement of Russia's war against Ukraine. He called on Rome to play a greater role in European efforts, according to DW.
The corresponding statement of the new Chancellor of Germany was made after a meeting with the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on Saturday, May 17.
"We agreed that Italy should play a certain role here," said Merz.
He announced that in the coming days he would hold negotiations with other European partners.
"We must not allow ourselves to be divided in the European Union. There are no first- or second-class members here," said Merz and called Italy an "indispensable strategic partner."
Coalition of the Willing
Britain and France have led Europe's efforts in the settlement of Russia's war against Ukraine. Germany has also joined this group.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron initiated the creation of the "Coalition of the Willing." The goal of this coalition is to gather countries that are ready to send troops to Ukraine and provide other assistance to ensure peace and deter the Russian Federation.
On May 10, a meeting of the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing took place in Kyiv — Macron, Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited Ukraine. After negotiations, they and Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a joint conversation with US President Donald Trump.
European partners declared that, in cooperation with the United States, they are ready to strengthen sanction pressure on Russia if it refuses a ceasefire. Relevant statements were made by Merz and Macron.
