"30-Day Ceasefire in Sight? Merz Optimistic About Ukraine Peace Deal"
Possibility of Suspending Hostilities Within Few Days, According to Merz's Opinion
In a surprising turn, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has voiced optimism over a potential 30-day ceasefire agreement in Ukraine, which might materialize within the next few days. The European powers and former US President Donald Trump are in agreement, and now it's up to Russian President Vladimir Putin to make a move.
During his first trip to Brussels, Merz expressed this hope for an agreement as early as the upcoming weekend. "I've got my fingers crossed for an agreement this weekend for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine," Merz declared. If peace negotiations don’t materialize, he warns Russia of further sanctions.
According to Merz, there's a "great chance" that the current three-day ceasefire—initiated by Putin ahead of World War II commemorations in Moscow—will be extended to 30 days and could pave the way for peace talks. He made these comments while standing alongside the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.
The shifting geopolitical landscape around Ukraine is of significant interest. Zelensky has planned a meeting of the so-called "Coalition of the Willing" in Kyiv on Saturday, which is expected to be attended by key leaders. "We need this coalition, and it should be strong enough to guarantee security according to our common understanding," Zelensky said in a video address. However, details about which leaders will be present are still under wraps. Merz himself is planning an imminent visit to Ukraine.
This Coalition of the Willing, spearheaded by France and Britain, includes roughly 30 states, including Germany. This group is working towards supporting Ukraine once a potential ceasefire is in place. It's important to note that, contrary to some reports, the US has not joined this coalition.
Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have escalated for over three years, with both sides engaging in military actions. Both sides have been under pressure from the US to agree to a ceasefire, with Trump advocating strongly for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire [1][2]. While Trump continues to advocate for this ceasefire, Germany's direct involvement in discussions remains unclear.
Russia's most recent ceasefire, a unilateral effort, came under criticism from Ukrainian sources for alleged violations [1]. Nonetheless, efforts towards peace remain a top priority for all involved parties.
Sources: ntv.de, toh/AFP | [1] Reuters | [2] The Washington Post
- Friedrich Merz
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Ukraine
- Donald Trump
- Russia
- Friedrich Merz has expressed optimism about a potential 30-day ceasefire agreement in Ukraine, which may be agreed upon within the coming days.
- Merz, during his first trip to Brussels, declared, "I've got my fingers crossed for an agreement this weekend for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine."
- Merz also stated that there's a "great chance" that the current three-day ceasefire, initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, will be extended to 30 days and could pave the way for peace talks.
- The ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, which have been ongoing for over three years, are a significant focus in global politics and general news, especially with the upcoming meeting of the 'Coalition of the Willing' in Kyiv on Saturday, coincidentally on the same day as a potential 30-day ceasefire could be agreed upon, if negotiations are successful.
