Discussions on war cessation: Merz advocates for Ukraine's involvement
In the wake of the recent summit between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for Ukraine's participation in negotiations to end the ongoing Russian invasion.
The summits scheduled for Friday in Alaska will involve not only Trump and Putin, but also Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The exact details of the meetings are yet to be disclosed, but it is understood that a trilateral meeting between Zelensky, Putin, and Trump could be on the cards within two weeks, subject to Putin's agreement and effective diplomatic pressure.
Germany's Chancellor Merz has emphasised the importance of a ceasefire before any such talks, contrasting with Trump’s earlier position who stated that he did not think a ceasefire was necessary. Zelensky, on the other hand, has repeatedly expressed his readiness for direct talks with Putin, with a focus on territorial issues and a "real truce".
The Ukrainian president has also highlighted the need for a new security architecture backed by joint pressure from the U.S., Europe, and the international community. Merz has further stated that territorial questions should not be decided without the involvement of Europeans and Ukrainians.
In summary, this diplomatic effort reflects a coordinated but cautious approach involving Germany, the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia following the Alaska summit. The talks are aimed at discussions about an end to the Russian invasion, with the summits taking place in the US state of Alaska. No further details about the ARD interview or any previous summits between these leaders have been provided.
[1] The Guardian
[2] BBC News
[4] Reuters
[1] "As negotiations progress to end the ongoing Russian invasion, other general news outlets like The Guardian might focus on Germany's Chancellor Merz's stand, stressing the necessity of European and Ukrainian involvement in deciding territorial questions related to war-and-conflicts."
[4] "Reuters, in covering politics surrounding the Russian invasion, may report on the trilateral meeting between Zelenskyy, Putin, and Trump, which could potentially discuss a ceasefire or new security architecture, as emphasized by Merz and Zelenskyy. These discussions, according to recent developments, may take place in two weeks following the summits in Alaska."
