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Volodymyr Selenskyj (l), President of Ukraine and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU, r) make a statement. Selenskyj takes part in virtual consultations of European heads of state and government in view of the meeting between US President Trump and Russian President Putin. Photo: Fabian Sommer/dpa
Keystone
Following consultations with US President Donald Trump and European partners, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has reiterated five basic requirements for a peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine. "In Alaska, fundamental European and Ukrainian security interests must be safeguarded. That was the message that we Europeans gave President Trump today," said Merz in Berlin at a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi.
Merz emphasized that the participants were very united in their assessment of the current situation and the achievable goal for next Friday. With a view to the summit in Alaska, he said: "We want President Donald Trump to succeed on Friday in Anchorage."
"A ceasefire must be at the beginning"
It has been made clear that Ukraine must be at the table as soon as there are follow-up meetings. "We want negotiations to take place in the right order. A ceasefire must come first," said Merz. Essential elements should then be agreed in a framework agreement.
Thirdly, he said: "Ukraine is prepared to negotiate on territorial issues. But then the so-called line of contact must be the starting point and legal recognition of Russian occupation is not up for debate. The principle that borders must not be changed by force must continue to apply."
"Robust security guarantees for Kiev" and the defense capability of the Ukrainian armed forces are also necessary. Negotiations must also be part of a joint transatlantic strategy.
13.08.2025, 17:05
