European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have pressed U.S. President Donald Trump to back a ceasefire in Ukraine, warning it must protect Europe’s security interests.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the joint call on Wednesday was aimed at shaping Trump’s talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, the first U.S.-Russia summit since 2021.
“Ukraine must be at the table from the outset of any follow-up talks,” Merz told a news conference with Zelensky. “The first step should be a ceasefire.”
He said Kyiv was open to discussing territorial issues but would not accept recognition of Russian-occupied land, and would need “strong security guarantees.”
If Moscow refuses to compromise in Alaska, Merz warned, the U.S. and Europe should increase pressure. He said Trump largely agreed with their stance.
Merz noted that past talks with Putin since the 2022 invasion had been followed by escalations from Moscow. “If this happens again, it will prove such talks are neither credible nor productive,” he said.
Source: Viewers Corner News