Ukrainian interests require safeguarding, emphasizes Merz
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, currently in Berlin, has been actively engaging in discussions with global leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, ahead of the scheduled meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
Merz's consultations with Trump were aimed at finding a common stance for the crucial encounter. Following these discussions, Merz planned to share the results with the coalition of the willing, a group consisting of Germany, France, and the UK, which is deeply involved in the discussions surrounding the meeting.
The coalition of the willing is also expected to be part of the discussions about the potential outcomes of the meeting. European leaders, including Merz, have expressed concerns that any potential concessions by Ukraine to Russia could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, particularly regarding territorial concessions and security guarantees.
Kyiv strictly rejects any territorial concessions to Russia, and European leaders echo this sentiment. They emphasize that any peace deal must include strong security guarantees for Ukraine without forcing Ukraine to cede territory or forego NATO membership.
The leaders remain skeptical about the preliminary peace discussions, fearing that concessions might pressure Ukraine into unfavorable land swaps or weaken its future defense posture. They insist the process begin with a ceasefire and robust protections before negotiating full peace terms, contrary to the US-Russia push for an immediate comprehensive peace deal.
The situation remains delicate as European leaders strive to balance the desire to end fighting with preserving Ukraine’s rights and territorial integrity. The coalition of the willing is expected to discuss the results of Merz's consultation with Trump, and important decisions could be made at the Alaska meeting, according to Merz.
European heads of state and government, along with Zelenskyy, share these concerns and are united in their stance. As the meeting approaches, the coalition is expected to play a significant role in steering the course of the discussions in a manner that upholds the fundamental European and Ukrainian security interests.
- Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz's consultations with President Trump about the upcoming meeting with Russian President Putin were not only focused on the war-and-conflicts but also policy-and-legislation, considering the implications for Ukraine's sovereignty and security.
- The coalition of the willing, including Germany, France, and the UK, will participate in discussions about the potential outcomes of the meeting between Trump and Putin, as they stress the importance of strong security guarantees for Ukraine in politics, general news, and the ongoing peace negotiations.
