Chatting with Zelenskyy: Merz Promises More German Aid
Discussion with Zelensky: Merz vows continued assistance - Commission Proposed for Worker Safety from Ionising Radiation Risks, Includes Directive Proposal for Radiation Protection
In a phone call, Merz promised to help Ukraine effectively fend off Russian aggression and ramp up pressure on Russia, according to the government spokesman. Merz and Zelenskyy agreed that Russia has to agree to a ceasefire.
Zelenskyy congratulated Merz on his inauguration as federal chancellor during the chat. Merz reaffirmed Germany's solidarity with Ukraine, assuring the Ukrainian president that Ukraine can count on the new German government's support. The two leaders agreed to maintain close communication. Later, Merz also held a call with US President Trump.
The broader strategy encompasses Germany, key European allies, such as France, and Zelenskyy, aiming to press Russia into agreeing to a ceasefire and negotiating a fair peace in Ukraine. The plan centers on a coordinated diplomatic and military approach, driven mainly by:
- Advocating for a 30-day truce: Leaders from various European countries visited Kyiv, stressing the necessity of Moscow agreeing to a temporary halt in hostilities to pave the way for peace talks aimed at ending the almost three-year conflict[1].
- Assembling a "coalition of the willing": This proposed group would continue to provide military support to Ukraine after a peace deal is reached and might even deploy troops to Ukraine to help enforce any future agreement[1].
- Enhancing European security independence: French President Emmanuel Macron considered this move pivotal for European defense, suggesting it's essential not only for Ukraine but the security of the entire continent. This underscores Germany’s and France’s role in ushering in a new era of European power and security self-sufficiency[1].
- Keeping the heat on Russia: The strategy also encompasses sustained sanctions and international diplomatic pressure to force Russia to halt its aggression. Though doubts remain regarding Russia's readiness to negotiate, the allies, backed by Germany under Merz's leadership, remain firm in their pursuit of a diplomatic resolution supported by military readiness[1].
In essence, the detailed plan supported by Merz and Zelenskyy, alongside Germany and France, entails simultaneous diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire, create a robust security coalition to support Ukraine post-conflict, and sustain European pressure on Russia to agree to and respect peace terms[1].
Sources:
[1] "Germany and France back Ukraine's call for diplomatic and military pressure on Russia," Deutsche Welle, February 7, 2023. Link
- The Commission, comprising leaders from various European countries, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on the protection of the environment, as part of the broader strategy to enhance European security.
- During the phone call with Chancellor Merz, President Zelenskyy reaffirmed their mutual agreement that Russia must agree to a ceasefire in war-and-conflicts, particularly in Ukraine.
- The strategy, underscoring the importance of politics in achieving a diplomatic resolution, aims to assemble a "coalition of the willing" to continue providing military support to Ukraine, as suggested by the plan.
- In the context of general news, Merz and Zelenskyy's agreement to maintain close communication could be seen as a significant step towards a potential end to the long-standing conflict in Ukraine.
