Frankfurt (Germany), August 13 (LaPresse) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during a joint press conference in Berlin with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reiterated the importance of a ceasefire as the essential first step in negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine. Merz described the ceasefire as one of the "fundamental principles" for initiating a framework peace agreement. He also expressed optimism about the upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that Trump will first inform Zelensky and then European leaders about the summit's outcome.
The Chancellor stated that Europe, particularly Germany, will do everything possible to seize every diplomatic opportunity to stop the “terrible” war. Merz made clear that any legal recognition of Russian occupations is absolutely out of the question, reaffirming the fundamental principle that borders must not be changed by force.
The German Chancellor emphasized the commitment to support Ukraine and uphold the foundations of international law, hoping for concrete progress towards peace through dialogue and cooperation among world leaders.
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