Friedrich Merz
European leaders issued a joint statement on Ukraine ahead of Donald Trump's planned meeting with Vladimir Putin. They reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and their readiness to cooperate to achieve a just peace.
Leaders of European countries supported Donald Trump's efforts aimed at ending the war in Ukraine and achieving peace. They emphasized the importance of diplomacy, support for Ukraine, and pressure on Russia.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz held a telephone conversation. The leaders discussed accelerating the end of the war, preparing for an online meeting of national security advisors, and defense support for Ukraine, including financing air defense systems.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding peace efforts. The parameters for ending the war will determine security conditions for Europe, so Europe must be a participant in relevant processes.
US President Donald Trump informed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that the meeting between Steve Witkoff and Vladimir Putin was more productive than expected. Earlier, a possible meeting between Trump and Putin, and then with Zelenskyy, was discussed.
The German army has launched an air bridge to the Gaza Strip, dropping 14 tons of humanitarian aid. The action is part of a joint project with Jordan, announced by the German Chancellor.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the compromise in the tariff dispute with the administration of US President Donald Trump would significantly harm the German economy and lead to higher inflation. He thanked the European Commission for the negotiations, noting that it was the best possible outcome, although it cannot satisfy Germany.
According to the German Chancellor, the trade agreement between the EU and the US helped avoid a conflict that could have harmed Germany's export-oriented economy. In particular, tariffs on cars will decrease from 27.5% to 15%, which is key for the German automotive industry.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would recognize a Palestinian state in September, becoming the first Western member of the UN Security Council to do so. This move came after Great Britain and Canada refused to join the initiative due to their unwillingness to anger the United States.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with US President Donald Trump in Scotland to discuss a trade deal. European diplomats do not expect a quick agreement due to Trump's tendency for last-minute cancellations and the complexity of decision-making in the EU.
More than a third of British Members of Parliament, about 220 people from nine parties, have signed a letter to Keir Starmer demanding recognition of the Palestinian state. They consider this an important step towards implementing the two-state principle.
President Zelenskyy held a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, proposing that Germany participate in the expert review of the draft law on anti-corruption bodies. The situation at the front and the need to finance drone production were also discussed.
The European Union plans to impose 30% tariffs on American goods worth about 100 billion euros if the US follows through on its threat of tariffs after August 1. This will include industrial goods, cars, and whiskey, affecting a third of American exports to the EU.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that a political decision by the G7 is key to the confiscation of frozen Russian assets, most of which are located in Europe. He noted that after such a decision, tools will emerge to use these funds for the benefit of Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Ramstein participants continue to work closely to support Ukraine, including through a new initiative that provides allies with access to purchase American equipment through the Alliance. This initiative will allow European NATO countries to purchase American weapons, including Patriot systems, for further transfer to Ukraine.
Germany will provide Ukraine with two additional Patriot systems, which will be deployed in the coming days. The purchase of long-range Ukrainian-made drones will also be financed.
People's Deputy Fedir Venislavsky stated that Ukraine has a chance to receive a certain number of air defense systems in a short time, although not all of the announced 15-17 complexes. The US has allowed European partners to purchase and transfer air defense systems to Ukraine, which will speed up the process.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed doubt about Ukraine's accession to the European Union by 2034. He noted that Ukraine's reconstruction after the war would be linked to its EU accession process, but this would take several years.
France supports the European Commission's proposal for an EU budget of almost 2 trillion euros for 2028–2034, citing threats from Russia. Germany, Austria, Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands consider such expenditures excessive and demand a more frugal approach.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer does not rule out London's participation in Germany and the US's talks on arms procurement for Ukraine. Discussions are at an early stage between London, Washington, and European countries.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the delivery of Patriot systems to Ukraine is being discussed, but will take days or weeks. The US has also revised the Patriot supply schedule to accelerate support for Ukraine.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have signed a new treaty providing for mutual assistance in the event of armed attack and joint development of the Deep Precision Strike missile system. The agreement also covers cooperation in trade, transport, and migration, deepening ties after Brexit.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is going on summer vacation with low public support. A YouGov poll shows further strengthening of the far-right "Alternative for Germany" (AfD).
The German government expressed disagreement with the European Commission's proposal for the EU budget, which included €100 billion in aid to Ukraine. Berlin considers an increase in the budget unacceptable when member states are consolidating their own budgets.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will sign an agreement on mutual assistance in the event of an armed attack. The document also provides for the joint development of a missile system and measures to mitigate the consequences of Brexit.
President Zelenskyy stated that a demonstration of force would compel the Russian dictator to sit down at the negotiating table, possibly without its direct application. He emphasized that Russians only understand force, which is why Ukraine needs strong sanctions and weapons.
US President Donald Trump agreed to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal regarding aid to Ukraine, offering to sell five Patriot systems instead of two. This change of position was the result of efforts by EU and NATO leaders, including the President of Finland and the NATO Secretary General.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that his country will make a decisive contribution to financing Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine. This will help Ukraine defend itself against bombings and increase pressure on Moscow to achieve peace.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is considering cutting social assistance for the unemployed, including Ukrainian refugees, to save public spending. The reform envisages the introduction of a basic income from 2026 and stricter requirements for housing costs.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the possible introduction of 30% tariffs by the US would "hit German exports in the heart. " Germany is considering counter-tariffs and coordinating actions with EU leaders to prevent this.