Merz hopes Putin will launch direct talks with Ukraine after Alaska meeting

That is according to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Three-and-a-half years after the attack on Ukraine, which violated international law, Russia now has an opportunity to agree to a ceasefire and end the fighting. We expect Putin to take President Trump's proposal for talks seriously and to start negotiations with Ukraine without conditions after the meeting in Alaska," the chancellor said.

Merz noted that in recent days Germany, together with Ukraine and its European allies, has shown a path to peace that protects the fundamental security interests of both Europe and Ukraine. The goal, he said, should be a summit that would also include the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"The summit should secure an agreement on a ceasefire. Ukraine needs strong security guarantees. Territorial issues can only be resolved with the consent of the Ukrainian people. We have conveyed these messages to President Trump clearly and unitedly on the way to Anchorage. I am in contact with him on this matter," Merz said.

He stressed that Trump can now take a significant step toward peace and therefore deserves thanks for this initiative and for the close coordination in recent days. During their latest meeting, European partners assured the U.S. leader that they would continue to support Ukraine, and that Trump can count on this, Merz said.

Last Wednesday, on the initiative of the German chancellor, a videoconference was held with the participation of the leaders of several European states, including Ukraine, as well as EU and NATO leadership. The Trump-Putin meeting is scheduled to begin on August 15 at 22:30 Kyiv time.

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