German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a High-Level Meeting in Berlin
In a significant diplomatic gesture, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Chancellor’s Office on Wednesday, marking a rare instance of a foreign leader being received with military honors in the German capital. The meeting is set to be followed by a working lunch, during which the two leaders are expected to discuss the German government’s support for Ukraine and efforts to achieve a ceasefire.
According to the German government’s spokesperson, Stefan Kornelius, the meeting’s agenda will also touch on the European Union’s plans to impose new sanctions on Russia. The Chancellor and the President are scheduled to hold a press conference around 1:30 pm before engaging in a dialogue with representatives of German businesses.
Later in the day, Zelenskyy will meet with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Bellevue Palace for a separate discussion, underscoring the high level of attention being paid to the Ukrainian leader’s visit to Germany.