Friedrich Merz
The Office of the President of Ukraine announced consultations on ending the war after the President approved the delegation's composition. This comes against the backdrop of a 28-point US peace plan, which envisages territorial concessions and a threat to cease arms supplies to Ukraine.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed the American proposal for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine. The leaders emphasized the importance of supporting negotiation processes and the desire to achieve a just peace.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Donald Trump held a 15-minute conversation. They discussed the American peace plan for ending the war in Ukraine, but details were not disclosed.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine may face a difficult choice: to lose dignity or risk losing a key partner. He emphasized that his answer was given on May 20, 2019, when he pledged to defend Ukraine's sovereignty and independence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with the leaders of France, Britain, and Germany regarding the American peace plan. The parties coordinated further steps and agreed on joint work of the teams.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They reaffirmed their full support for Ukraine and discussed US efforts to end the war, emphasizing the need for European partners' approval for any peace agreement.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz canceled a series of meetings on Friday for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump. The talks concern the situation in Ukraine, including Trump's 28-point plan.
The German Chancellor, the Presidents of France, and the Prime Minister of Great Britain will hold an urgent conversation with Zelenskyy. They will discuss the US and Russian plan to end the war. A meeting is also expected on the sidelines of the G20 in South Africa.
Germany is urging the European Union to reach an agreement with the United Kingdom on access to the EU defense fund by the end of the month. This would allow the UK to participate in the €150 billion fund designed to strengthen European defense.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the provision of long-range missile systems to Ukraine, without specifying details. He emphasized that Germany and its partners would equip the Ukrainian army with the necessary systems, including potential production in Ukraine.
The German Chancellor's Cabinet has approved a law allowing the Bundeswehr to shoot down unknown drones suspected of spying on military bases and industrial facilities. The military will be able to use force against UAVs at the request of local police, using weapons or jammers.
On Tuesday, November 18, a trilateral meeting will take place in Berlin between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The leaders will meet for dinner after the summit on Europe's digital sovereignty, in which Macron will participate.
Friedrich Merz faces a decline in popularity, with only 16% of Germans supporting him as a candidate. Economic forecasts are falling, and his coalition is paralyzed by internal conflicts.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on young Ukrainians to serve their country instead of leaving for Germany, a request he made to President Zelenskyy. Merz also confirmed the government's plans to revoke the right to receive citizen assistance for refugees from Ukraine.
German federal police have arrested 49-year-old Martin S. on suspicion of plotting to assassinate more than a dozen politicians and public figures, including Olaf Scholz and Angela Merkel. The suspect distributed a list of targets via the dark web and collected donations for assassination bounties.
The German government plans to approve the purchase of defense equipment worth over 3 billion euros. The funds will go towards missiles for the IRIS-T SLM air defense system, 20 light Airbus combat helicopters, and 100,000 night vision devices.
The development of a joint British-German long-range missile within the framework of the "Trinity House" defense partnership is gaining momentum. British Defense Minister John Healey confirmed active technical work on the missile, which will have a range of over 2000 kilometers.
The German government is offering Afghans in Pakistan financial payments to forgo resettlement in Germany. This is part of a tougher migration policy amid the growing popularity of the right-wing populist party.
Germany intends to increase financial aid to Ukraine by approximately 3 billion euros next year. This will cover artillery, drones, armored vehicles, and the replacement of two Patriot air defense systems.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the end of the civil war in Syria and his intention to begin the process of returning Syrian refugees to their homeland. He invited President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss the deportation of those who have no legal grounds to remain in the country.
Germany is reclaiming its role as a military leader in Europe, having lifted financial restrictions on its defense sector. Berlin is investing hundreds of billions of pounds in state-of-the-art tanks, artillery, fighter jets, and warships.
Ukrainian air defense has been strengthened with Patriot systems, made possible by Germany's support. President Zelenskyy thanked Chancellor Friedrich Merz for the joint step in protection against Russian terror.
The G7 will continue to support Ukraine in means of repelling enemy air strikes and restoring power plants destroyed by the Russians. Energy ministers of the G7 countries are sending an important signal as Russia continues to attack Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure.
Germany's annual inflation rate fell to 2. 3% in October after 2.4% in September, exceeding the market forecast of 2.2%. The slowdown was driven by cheaper energy and slower food price growth, while the cost of services continued to rise.
Far-right and conservative parties in Europe, particularly in Poland and Germany, are expressing concern over the increasing number of young Ukrainian men. This follows the easing of exit rules from Ukraine.
The popularity of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has fallen to 25%, a record low since the government was formed. This comes amid growing dissatisfaction with migration policy and deteriorating economic expectations in Germany.
The German government is planning an unprecedented upgrade of its military capabilities. A €377 billion procurement plan is intended to make the Bundeswehr the most powerful army in Europe.
The team of European Council President António Costa is changing the conclusions to persuade Belgium to support a €140 billion loan to Ukraine. EU leaders are discussing new wording that addresses the red lines of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker will undergo scheduled back surgery next week due to persistent pain. After the operation, the 65-year-old politician will perform his duties remotely.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, including Merz, Macron, and Starmer, advocated for an immediate ceasefire. They propose considering the current line of contact as a starting point for negotiations, supporting Trump's position.