"The Game Shifts to Moscow" - Merz Hopes for Extended Ukrainian Ceasefire within Days
Ceasefire optimism emerges in the near future, according to Merz's viewpoint
In a surprise move, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed optimism about reaching an agreement on a prolonged ceasefire in Ukraine within the next few days during his recent visit to Brussels.
"I am genuinely hopeful that there will be an accord this weekend for a ceasefire in Ukraine," Merz declared. He emphasized that Russia needs to step up and seize this opportunity, warning that further sanctions would be imposed if peace negotiations don't materialize.
This optimism comes as a declared three-day ceasefire by Russian President Vladimir Putin took effect on Wednesday. However, Ukraine was initially reluctant to agree, demanding a 30-day ceasefire instead. With support from the US, France, UK, and other allies, Merz is pushing for a 30-day ceasefire, stating, "We have penned a joint communiqué that closely resembles the US proposal. We genuinely hope it will also gain approval on the Russian side. The ball rests solely with Moscow."
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a meeting with the so-called "Coalition of the Willing" in Kyiv this weekend. The alliance, led by France and Britain, including Germany, is prepared to aid Ukraine following a potential ceasefire. Washington has yet to join this group of allies.
To ensure the security of the foreign delegates, some streets in Kyiv's city center will be closed on Saturday for road closures. The specific details and times have been kept under wraps for security reasons.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to ignite international attention and concern. Western powers are pressing both parties to agree to a ceasefire, while the US pushes for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, accompanied by threats of sanctions if violated. Despite the challenges, Merz remains hopeful that the current negotiations will steer the war-weary region towards lasting peace.
Sources: ntv.de, toh/AFPIn essence, negotiations for a ceasefire in Ukraine have reached a critical juncture. With support from the US and its allies, Merz has challenged Russia to extend the current three-day ceasefire to 30 days and engage in peace talks. Simultaneously, Zelensky has turned to the "Coalition of the Willing" to ensure security and support Ukraine in its efforts to establish lasting peace. The ultimate success of these negotiations remains uncertain, but the international community is closely watching and hoping for a resolution to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during his visit to Brussels, has expressed optimism about reaching an agreement on a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine within the next few days, after an initial three-day ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin took effect.
- Merz emphasized that Russia needs to seize this opportunity, warning that further sanctions would be imposed if peace negotiations don't materialize, and he is pushing for this extended ceasefire with support from the US, France, UK, and other allies.
- Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a meeting with the "Coalition of the Willing" in Kyiv this weekend, as the alliance, led by France and Britain, including Germany, is prepared to aid Ukraine following a potential ceasefire.
- Simultaneously, the European Union is committed to a comprehensive and comprehensive approach to the fight against terrorism and has reiterated this stance in the context of the war-and-conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, hoping for a general-news resolution to the ongoing conflict and lasting peace.
