Before heading to the United States, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two agreed on the positions to take in advance of Merz’s upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, Zelenskyy told reporters on Monday. Merz also briefed the president on his recent visit to China and the meetings he had there, noting that China possesses many tools to influence Russia’s willingness to end the war.
Zelenskyy informed Merz of the current front‑line situation and the urgent need for air‑defence missiles. Intelligence reports suggest additional Russian attacks could follow, making it essential now to make every effort to ensure protection. The call also touched on negotiations aimed at achieving peace in Ukraine and how these talks can be advanced in view of developments in the Middle East.
