Chancellor Merz Hopes for 30-Day Ceasefire Extension in Ukraine This Weekend
Ceasefire hopeful within days, according to Merz's perspective.
In a surprising turn of events, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has shown optimism for reaching an agreement on a prolonged ceasefire in Ukraine within the upcoming weekend. If peace talks don't materialize, Russia will face further sanctions, the Chancellor warned.
During Merz's inaugural visit to Brussels, he expressed hope for an agreement on a 30-day ceasefire. "I've got my fingers crossed for an agreement this weekend for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine," Merz said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier announced a three-day ceasefire in light of World War II commemorations in Moscow. Despite Ukraine not agreeing to the ceasefire, the Chancellor believes a 30-day extension could be possible. He explained that if peace talks begin, a peace treaty could follow.
On his belief that Europeans and Trump are in agreement, Merz stated, "We have written a joint communiqué that closely resembles the US proposal. We're holding our breath and hoping for acceptance on the Russian side. The ball is still in Moscow's court."
Elsewhere, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" in Kyiv this weekend. The leaders of this coalition, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, are expected to attend, according to Zelensky. The purpose is to ensure security and support for Ukraine following any possible ceasefire.
The "Coalition of the Willing," led by France and Britain, is made up of around 30 states that have been offering support to Ukraine against Russian aggression for over three years. In recent weeks, both sides have been pressured by the US to agree to a ceasefire.
Sources: ntv.de, toh/AFP
- Friedrich Merz
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Ukraine
- Donald Trump
- Russia
Enrichment Data:
- Former US President Donald Trump has called for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing that violations will lead to sanctions and both sides will be held accountable for negotiations. Trump believes this ceasefire serves as a foundation for lasting peace and is ready to assist immediately if needed [1][2].
- The US, led by Trump, strongly supports a 30-day unconditional ceasefire with sanctions for violations.
- Ukraine is open to talks but demands a full ceasefire first.
- The situation is still in negotiation stages with no confirmed ceasefire implementation yet [1][2].
- The European Union, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is committed to a comprehensive approach to the fight against terrorism, which includes the Ukraine conflict, and is hoping for an agreement on a 30-day ceasefire this weekend.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin previously announced a three-day ceasefire, but Ukraine did not agree, and Chancellor Merz believes a 30-day extension could be possible if peace talks begin.
- Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, is preparing a meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" in Kyiv this weekend, which includes Chancellor Merz, to ensure security and support for Ukraine following any possible ceasefire.
- Although Donald Trump, the former US President, has called for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, with sanctions for violations, the situation is still in negotiation stages, with no confirmed ceasefire implementation yet.
