German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is focused on preparing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of his scheduled meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. Merz expressed confidence that this encounter will not repeat the difficulties of Zelenskyy’s previous White House visit.
“We will be speaking with Volodymyr Zelenskyy again extensively tomorrow afternoon” Merz stated. “We will also offer advice, as he has requested it. He observed that my meeting with Donald Trump proceeded quite differently from his own and we’ve already discussed this at length. We will revisit this tomorrow and offer some constructive advice.
Merz highlighted the significance of an upcoming trilateral meeting, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation and preliminary documentation. “This is another meeting on the path toward a larger gathering involving Trump, Putin and Zelenskyy and he needs to be well-prepared for that. We are providing him with all the assistance we can.
Despite a lack of immediate breakthroughs following the recent summit in Alaska, Merz conveyed satisfaction with the ongoing preparation and discussions with the U.S. President. “I am grateful for the good coordination we have achieved with Donald Trump. We’ve had intensive consultations this week, including amongst European leaders. We issued a joint statement from the European heads of state and government this morning. It’s positive that we share a common assessment of the situation.
He elaborated on close communication with key European counterparts, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Labour Leader Keir Starmer, ensuring a unified stance shared with President Trump. “It is crucial that we maintain this alignment as we diligently work on an agreement and advise President Zelenskyy on the necessary steps and potential concessions from Ukraine.
Regarding the summit, Merz acknowledged what he described as a “protocolary elevation” of Russian President Vladimir Putin, while asserting that President Trump is fully aware of the implications. “President Trump has, in the truest sense of the word, rolled out the red carpet for Putin. But the critical question now is what lies at the end of that red carpet? Any resolution must be contractual, a peace treaty. And on the path to that, the weapons must eventually fall silent.
Merz also pointed to what he perceives as a lack of respect shown by the Russian President. “The fact that Ukraine continued to be bombarded during this meeting in Anchorage demonstrates the disrespect with which Putin ultimately proceeds” he stated.