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ARCHIVE - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky takes part in the parliamentary session. Photo: Vadym Sarakhan/AP/dpa
Keystone
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi plans to attend the video conference on the future of his country in Berlin today. He is expected to arrive in the German capital at midday, the German Press Agency (dpa) was told by government sources.
A short lunch with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and statements at around 4 p.m. are planned. Bild" and ARD had reported earlier.
Zelensky's press spokesman, Serhiy Nikiforov, confirmed the trip on Ukrainian television. "The president is working in Berlin today. There will be a bilateral meeting with Merz. After that, they will jointly participate in the video conference with European leaders, NATO Secretary General (Mark) Rutte and US President (Donald) Trump," he said.
The calls with European heads of state and government were initiated by Merz. The aim is to find a common line with Trump before he meets Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin in the US state of Alaska on Friday.
Merz wants to bring together close European allies of Ukraine first at 2 p.m. in the Situation Center of the Chancellery for a preliminary discussion of the follow-up talks with Trump. The heads of state and government from France, the UK, Italy, Poland and Finland, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU Council President António Costa, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Selenskyj are to take part.
Switch with Trump and Vance
Trump's Vice President JD Vance will also be present at the video call with Trump, which is scheduled to start at 3.00 pm. Afterwards, the German head of government wants to discuss the results in the so-called coalition of the willing led by Germany, France and the UK. Merz plans to inform the public at a press conference after the meeting with Trump.
The Europeans and Selenskyj fear that Trump and Putin could agree in Alaska on territorial cessions from Ukraine to Russia, which Kiev strictly rejects. They are likely to want a commitment from Trump that he will not make a deal with Putin over the heads of the Ukrainians and the Europeans.
German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius had explained that the talks were to focus on further options for action in order to generate pressure on Moscow. In addition, the preparation of possible peace negotiations and associated questions regarding territorial claims and security were to be discussed. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer once again called for security guarantees for Ukraine.
13.08.2025, 09:11
13.08.2025, 09:51
