During the G7 summit in Évian, France, Friedrich Merz (CDU) assessed that Russia has failed in its war against Ukraine. While acknowledging that historically Russia has been “always good in defense” at warding off attacks, he stated that the nation has “never been very successful in its history in waging wars of aggression, meaning in achieving offensive success.”
Speaking to journalists Tuesday evening, Merz noted his impression that U.S. President Donald Trump is “gradually opening up to this assessment and, together with us, is seeking a way to end this war.”
He added that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and he had informed the American president that “We are ready for peace talks, but these talks must start from the right point.” Merz emphasized that Russia’s demand that Ukraine must surrender the free part of the Donbas is unacceptable.
