There are no signs of a quick end to war in Ukraine, Merz says
Photo: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
Currently, there are no signs of a swift end to Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Pope’s offer to mediate peace talks is the "last earthly resort," states German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, according to Tagesspiegel.
"There are currently no signs that this war will end quickly. They are trying to achieve everything possible through diplomatic means. The Pope’s offer to mediate is the last earthly resort," Merz said.
In his view, the only hope remains that at least in the Vatican, the conflicting parties can be brought together for a constructive dialogue.
The Chancellor emphasized that it is important for him that Germany plays an "active, supportive, and strong" role.
Ukraine–Russia negotiations
The first round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia took place on May 16 in Istanbul.
Recently, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is already discussing with its partners the possibility of holding a new round of talks.
According to him, three locations are currently being considered for such a meeting: Istanbul, the Vatican, or Switzerland. At the same time, Ukraine insists on the highest possible level of representation from all delegations.
Earlier, Pope Leo XIV expressed the Vatican’s readiness to serve as a platform for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in pursuit of a just peace.
