German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump Sunday, according to a statement given to ARD Tagesthemen. The conversation is expected to focus on the planned meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin next Friday.
“We are working intensively at the European level, together with the American government, to prepare for this meeting” Merz stated, adding that he hopes Ukraine will be included in the discussions. The Chancellor emphasized the importance of European involvement, stating, “We cannot accept decisions on territorial issues between Russia and America being made over the heads of Europeans and Ukrainians”. He expressed confidence that the U.S. administration shares this perspective.
Merz indicated his hope for a breakthrough during the Trump-Putin meeting. “Naturally, I hope for that, as do many others” he said. The message to President Putin, according to the Chancellor, is that any peace agreement cannot reward Russian aggression or encourage further hostile actions.
