Germany’s new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said in Paris that he plans to visit Ukraine “in the coming weeks”, adding that the visit is currently being coordinated.
Speaking at a press conference alongside French president Emmanuel Macron, Merz said he wants to “make every possible contribution from the European Union to ensure there is a lasting ceasefire there beyond the coming weekend, and that there can then also be a peace agreement with Russia”.
According to Merz, it is important that the United States continues to be involved in this process “and also in a subsequent security guarantee for Ukraine” and that “the Americans remain on board,” despite president Donald Trump’s recent concessions to Russia.
Germany’s newly sworn-in chancellor added that a permanent ceasefire can be agreed on soon for Ukraine, but held back on making any commitments for Ukraine’s security.
“I’m really hoping there will be a chance beyond the weekend to come to a ceasefire and then also to peace negotiations that could lead to a corresponding agreement,” Merz told reporters in Paris.
Only once there is an agreement can Germany give details on security guarantees “because we simply don’t know the conditions yet”, he said.
– DW
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