Trump and Merz find extensive alignment in their views on Ukraine matters
In a significant development, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump, along with multiple European heads of government, held a video conference in Berlin on a Wednesday. This meeting is a testament to the increased international cooperation in resolving the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The focus of the discussion was the future of Ukraine's relations with Russia. Chancellor Merz views the US-Russia peace negotiations regarding Ukraine as complex but cautiously hopeful. He is actively participating in multilateral talks aimed at exerting pressure on Russia and preparing for possible peace talks that address territorial claims and security guarantees.
Chancellor Merz initiated the video conference following his conversation with President Trump. He conveyed that his initial skepticism about the negotiations had been more than met, suggesting a cautious optimism about progress. NATO's Secretary General called Trump's engagement a "breakthrough."
Chancellor Merz did not disclose the specific principles he and Trump agree on regarding negotiations with Russia's President Vladimir Putin. However, he stated that US President Trump supports the European position on Ukraine, as expressed by Merz.
The video conference in Berlin marked a significant step in the diplomatic efforts involving Germany, the US, and Ukraine regarding Russia. It is seen as a potential catalyst for a significant agreement between Germany and the US on the principles for negotiations with Russia regarding Ukraine's future.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was present at the video conference in Berlin. The meeting is indicative of a growing alliance between Germany and the US in addressing global issues, particularly those involving Russia. The leaders cooperated closely in joint calls and summits, working to influence Trump’s negotiations with Putin.
Despite the shared interest in security guarantees for Ukraine and preparing for peace talks, some specific details remain uncertain. The leaders likely have nuanced differences in approach or concerns about Kyiv ceding territory due to the sensitive nature of the issue. However, the cooperation reflects a significant showing of unity.
[1] The Guardian
[2] Deutsche Welle
[3] Reuters
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