On Friday, US President Trump and Kremlin leader Putin plan to discuss the war in Ukraine. Talks between Trump and European partners already took place today. Chancellor Merz expressed confidence afterward.
Following consultations with US President Donald Trump and European partners, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed several basic prerequisites for a peace solution to the Ukraine war."In Alaska, fundamental European and Ukrainian security interests must be safeguarded. That was the message we as Europeans gave to US President Trump today," Merz said during a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Merz emphasized that during the discussions, the participants were in strong agreement on their assessment of the current situation and on the achievable goal for next Friday, when Trump and Kremlin President Vladimir Putin plan to meet for talks in Alaska.
"Important decisions" could be made at the meeting."We Europeans are doing everything in our power to set the course for this meeting in the right direction," Merz said."We want President Donald Trump to succeed in Anchorage on Friday."
Merz: Ceasefire must be the starting point
The Chancellor referred to a statement published Saturday evening by several European heads of state and government, in which they had already outlined their position. Merz named five important points: Ukraine must be at the table as soon as follow-up meetings are held. He further called for a clear order of priority for possible negotiations, which must begin with a ceasefire.
Third, Merz stated that Ukraine is ready to negotiate territorial issues."But then the so-called contact line must be the starting point, and legal recognition of Russian occupations is not up for debate. The principle that borders may not be changed by force must continue to apply."
Furthermore, the negotiations must include robust security guarantees for Kyiv and a commitment to long-term Western military aid. Ultimately, everything must be part of a common transatlantic strategy that, if progress is lacking, will increase pressure on Russia. President Trump is aware of this position and shares it"to a large extent," Merz said."And that's why I can say: We had a truly exceptionally constructive and good conversation."
"There is hope for peace"
"There is hope for movement, there is hope for peace in Ukraine," Merz said. However, if there is no movement on the Russian side at Trump's meeting with Putin, the US and Europe would have to increase the pressure.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who also participated, spoke on X of a"great phone call." He added that they appreciated Trump's leadership and the close coordination with the allies."The ball is now in Putin's court."
Previously, at Merz's initiative, the Europeans had held a video conference with Trump. Zelenskyy traveled to Berlin specifically for the conference call and for a preliminary video meeting among the Europeans.
Merz received Zelensky at the Chancellery around 1 p.m. With the Ukrainian president's personal presence in Berlin, the Chancellor is also sending a special sign of solidarity with Kyiv ahead of the Alaska Summit.
Zelenskyy hopes for a ceasefire
Zelenskyy also hopes for an immediate ceasefire and robust security guarantees for his country before the upcoming Alaska summit. Ukraine must be at the table in all negotiations concerning his country's future, he emphasized in Berlin after the video conference with Trump.
"There should be a ceasefire, there should be robust security guarantees. President Trump confirmed this today; he is on board," Zelenskyy said. He again rejected concessions to Russia."Russia must not have a veto on our perspective in Europe and NATO."
