Friedrich Merz
Merz and Macron closed the project due to a conflict between Airbus and Dassault. The parties were unable to agree on key issues regarding the implementation of the fighter program.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed air defense missile requirements and the protection of the energy grid with Keir Starmer. The leaders coordinated their positions ahead of the G7 and NATO summits.
The President met with the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany in the E3 format. They discussed Russian losses, ballistic missile defense, and strengthening Europe's role.
President Zelenskyy has arrived in Britain for talks with Starmer, Macron, and Merz. A meeting with King Charles III is scheduled for tomorrow.
Zelenskyy will meet with the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany in London. They will discuss security guarantees and the path to involving the Russian Federation in peace negotiations.
Czech Prime Minister Babiš called on German Chancellor Merz to lead the EU negotiations regarding the war. The mission should receive a mandate from the European Council and the European Commission.
The FRG lost to Portugal and Austria in the vote for a seat on the UN Security Council. Johann Wadephul linked this to the support for Ukraine and Israel, as well as Russian lobbying.
Ukraine will expand the rights of the Hungarian minority to facilitate the start of EU accession negotiations. Péter Magyar announced that a comprehensive agreement has been reached between the countries.
The German Chancellor urged Magyar to support Ukraine despite the issue of national minorities. The Hungarian Prime Minister is ready to meet with Zelenskyy next week.
Poland proposes to exclude Ukrainian men aged 18-60 from EU protection programs. This would deprive them of residency rights and benefits in order to support the defense of Ukraine.
A Russian drone hit a residential building in Romania, resulting in civilian casualties. NATO and EU countries condemned the attack and called for a decisive response to Moscow.
Kaja Kallas and EU member states consider the appointment of a negotiator premature. The bloc is preparing its 21st sanctions package and focusing on strategy rather than personalities.
Merz's sources called the rumors of his replacement 'absurd speculation. ' Earlier, media reports suggested the possible appointment of Wüst, Söder, or Spahn.
The European Commission will propose opening the first cluster of Ukraine's EU accession negotiations on June 16. Hungary's new prime minister is ready to support this step.
Ukraine rejects alternative integration models and seeks full EU membership. The authorities insist on opening all negotiation clusters in June.
Rustem Umerov is reportedly in Berlin to discuss security and EU membership with advisors from the E3 group. The meeting takes place against the backdrop of Russian threats to launch new strikes on Kyiv.
Zelenskyy stated the necessity of Ukraine's full membership in the EU and the opening of negotiating clusters. The European project is impossible without Ukraine and its voice.
Zelenskyy called Friedrich Merz's proposal regarding Ukraine's EU membership without voting rights unfair. The President demands equal rights for the state.
Germany will transfer an unprofitable gas-fired power plant to Ukraine on a self-pickup basis. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has opposed this decision.
The Irish Foreign Ministry warns that associate member status would block Ukraine's full accession to the EU. This could create a two-tier approach to the bloc's expansion.
Zelenskyy discussed strengthening diplomacy and Russia's plans with E3 leaders. The parties agreed on a meeting of advisors and an exchange of intelligence.
Robert Fico rejected the idea of German Chancellor candidate Merz regarding associated EU membership for Ukraine without voting rights. The Slovak Prime Minister advocates for either full accession or rejection.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposes granting Ukraine the status of an associate member of the EU. This would allow officials to attend summits without the right to vote.
The US will reduce military aid to European NATO allies in the event of a crisis. Washington wants to shift the responsibility for security onto Europe.
The EU plans to appoint a special representative for peace negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Kaja Kallas and Mario Draghi are considered among the main candidates.
Chancellor Merz stated that the Russian attacks indicate a choice of escalation over diplomacy. He emphasized the readiness of Kyiv and its partners for negotiations on a just peace.
Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz called the Russian attacks on May 14 proof of the Kremlin's insincerity regarding peace statements. He rejected the proposal to involve Gerhard Schröder in the negotiation process.
Allies expect a large-scale withdrawal of US troops from Germany, Italy, and Spain. Trump plans to cancel the deployment of long-range missiles in Europe.
Trump's anger at Merz over criticism of the war in Iran is stalling the trade deal with the EU. The US could impose 25% tariffs on cars as early as July 4.
The announcement of the US troop withdrawal from Germany forced EU leaders to discuss defense independence. In Yerevan, they also coordinated actions regarding Ukraine.