Merz sees new unity with Trump on Ukraine, calls G7 meeting a "day of hope"
Kyiv • UNN
Chancellor Merz announced a common position with Trump regarding the end of the war in Ukraine. The parties discussed new sanctions and increasing pressure on Moscow.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism that Europeans and US President Donald Trump will move more strongly in the same direction regarding peace efforts for Ukraine, calling the G7 summit in the French resort town of Evian a "day of hope," UNN reports, citing dpa.
Details
"What gives us all reason for confidence is President Trump's phrasing: Russia must stop this war. And I think that is a clear message," Merz told reporters on Tuesday on the sidelines of the G7 summit.
Merz said that detailed discussions took place with Trump regarding the next steps and possible further sanctions against Russia.
This gave Merz "a certain measure of optimism" that the European and American sides will now work together to end Russia's war against Ukraine, he said.
Agreement was also reached on the desire to further strengthen support for Ukraine while simultaneously increasing pressure on Moscow to bring Russia to the negotiating table, Merz said.
When asked whether Trump had promised to support new sanctions and whether Europeans would indeed have a seat at the negotiating table in the future, Merz replied that this was never called into question.
Merz emphasized that Russia cannot win the war militarily, adding that Russia's economy is also groaning under the weight of the war and sanctions.
"This could open up, perhaps for the first time, a chance for peace," he said.
He had the impression that Trump is "gradually opening up to this assessment as well and is now looking for a way to end this war together with us," Merz added.
Merz was optimistic about the G7 talks with Trump. "I find him very cooperative, and I also saw him listening very carefully," Merz said of Trump, referring to the talks on the war in Ukraine.
Merz previously stated that the talks were marked by "truly great transatlantic and European unity."