German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Monday that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would take place within the next two weeks. Merz made these comments after meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, along with other European leaders, for discussions aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The German leader expressed enthusiasm following the meeting with Trump and Zelenskyy and stated that his expectations had not only been met, but exceeded.
The meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy will take place after Trump spoke with Putin over the phone and agreed to arrange the meeting. However, the location has not been determined yet. Merz also cautioned that Ukraine should not be forced to give up the Donbas region to Russia, likening it to the United States giving up Florida.
Merz was also asked about the possibility of sending German peacekeeping troops to Ukraine as part of security guarantees. He stated that discussions would need to take place with European partners and the US government regarding the extent of involvement. However, he emphasized that all of Europe has a responsibility and interest in the political order of Europe and should be involved in finding a solution. Any deployment of Bundeswehr soldiers to Ukraine would require approval from the Bundestag.
Edited by: John Silk
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/putin-zelenskyy-to-meet-within-two-weeks-germany-s-merz/a-73686476?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
