"15:35: Praise for the 'Fresh Face of Merz': An Expert Hails a ' exceptional first week'

Heated War Ticker: "Fresh Face" Merz Praised by Experts - Ukraine, Russia Negotiations Update

"Merz's Debut Week Praise from Expert - Impressive Display in Kiev as Well"

In a recent European tour, ex-CDU party leader Friedrich Merz has earned rave reviews from political expert Klemens Fischer, transforming overnight into a "new" statesman during his first few days in office. Merz is believed to be setting important signals for the international stage.

Politics

Suddenly a Statesman, "Completely New Merz": Experts Praise "Excellent First Week"

Diplomatic events are in high gear:

US Special Envoy Kellogg Reacts to Putin: Following Russian President Putin's proposal for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg countered that peace negotiations should only begin after a 30-day ceasefire.
Russian Countermoves: Amidst the push from Kyiv, Putin issued a late-night statement, sending three messages. Kremlin Chief Rainer Munz explains these messages in Moscow. While some echo past Russian positions, a potential message to US President Trump is also possible.
Turkey's Role: Turkey is prepared to mediate the direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, as proposed by Russia.
Putin's Strategy: Security expert Frank Umbach suspects Putin's proposal for negotiations could be a tactical maneuver.
Merz Sets the Terms: Chancellor Merz calls on Putin to agree to a genuine ceasefire, stating that negotiations can only commence once the conflict ceases and the guns fall silent.

War Updates:

Over the past 24 hours, Russian forces have carried out over 100 attacks in the Sumy region using guided bombs, multiple rocket launchers, and drones.
The Russian Defense Ministry alleges the Ukrainian side has violated a three-day ceasefire declared by President Putin over 14,000 times, while Ukrainian reports refute this claim.
In Kupyansk, Russian air strikes injured three civilians and destroyed multiple buildings. A week ago, air strikes in this region claimed the life of one man.
Ukraine reports striking over 161 Russian targets in the past day, including 60 in the Pokrovsk sector.
Russia resumed its drone attacks on Ukraine, focusing on the cities of Kyiv, Odessa, and several others overnight.
US President Donald Trump reaffirms his commitment to working with both Russia and Ukraine to put an end to the conflict.

Context:

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, resulting in widespread fighting and civilian casualties.
Multiple proposals for ceasefires and peace negotiations have been tabled by various parties, with significant disagreements over terms and conditions.

Sources:

ntv.de | gut | mau | dpa | rts | AFP

Ex-CDU party leader Friedrich Merz, now praised as a "new" statesman by political expert Klemens Fischer, has set important signals for the international stage, agreeing to terms for a genuine ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine as a prerequisite for negotiations.
As negotiations between Russia and Ukraine heat up, US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg has reacted to Putin's proposal for direct talks, countering that peace negotiations should only begin after a 30-day ceasefire.
In the midst of these diplomatic events, Turkey is prepared to mediate the direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, as proposed by Russia.
Amidst the push from Kyiv, Putin has issued a statement with three messages, some of which echo past Russian positions, while a potential message to US President Trump is also possible, according to Kremlin Chief Rainer Munz. Meanwhile, security expert Frank Umbach suspects Putin's proposal for negotiations could be a tactical maneuver.
In light of these developments, over the past 24 hours, Russian forces have carried out over 100 attacks in the Sumy region, causing civilian casualties and destruction, while Ukraine reports striking over 161 Russian targets in the past day.
As the conflict rages on, US President Donald Trump reaffirms his commitment to working with both Russia and Ukraine to put an end to the war and achieve a peaceful resolution, as stated in various general news articles and sources such as ntv.de, gut, mau, dpa, rts, and AFP.