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'There's hope something is moving': Merz says Trump 'largely shares' Europe's position ahead of Alaska talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attend a video meeting of European leaders with US President Donald Trump on the Ukraine war in Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday, ahead of the summit between the US and Russian leaders. AP
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday said that European leaders are committed to ensuring Friday's summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska is a success, adding that the US president 'largely shares' Europe's position on the conflict.
'Us Europeans therefore do what we can to set the course for this meeting in the right way,' The Guardian quoted Merz as saying after a virtual meeting with President Trump.
He said that a ceasefire must be the first step toward a durable peace.
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Merz reaffirmed the European position that 'borders must not be changed through violence,' adding that any discussion of territory should be limited strictly to the existing contact line, in line with international law.
The chancellor also underscored the importance of 'robust safety assurances for Ukraine'.
'The strategy is based on supporting Ukraine and putting pressure on Russia. So if in Alaska there's no movement on the Russian side, then the US and the Europeans need to increase the pressure,' said Merz, adding that that Trump 'largely shares' the European position.
Describing the talks with President Trump as 'very good' and 'constructive,' Merz ended on a note of cautious optimism.
'There is hope that something is moving. There's hope that there could be peace in Ukraine,' he added.
Speaking alongside Merz, President Zelenskyy welcomed what he called 'very intensive' coordination with European allies and stressed that 'what concerns Ukraine must be discussed with Ukraine.'
He also backed the idea of a potential three-way follow-up summit involving himself, Trump, and Putin.
On expectations ahead of the meeting on Friday, Zelenskyy said, 'It seems to me that the success of any talks depends first of all on the results. Our mood now is that we are united, and it was very positive [as] all the partners spoke in one voice, one desire, the same principles and the same vision and this is an important step forward.'
When asked about whether his position on territorial concessions has changed, he said it hasn't and couldn't as the Ukrainian constitution remains the same.
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'Any questions concerning our country's territorial integrity cannot be discussed without regard for our people, for the will of our people and the Ukrainian constitution,' he was quoted as saying.
Zelenskyy said that Russia should face new sanctions if it does not agree to an 'immediate ceasefire' at the summit.
'We hope that the central topic at the meeting will be a ceasefire. An immediate ceasefire,' Zelensky said.
He repeated his call for heightened pressure on Moscow, accusing President Putin of 'bluffing' when he claims to be unaffected by sanctions.
He said Trump had personally promised to call him immediately after the Alaska summit to debrief, and that if key objectives are not met, they would discuss the next steps together.
Meanwhile, Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte posted a message on social media following the coordination call, calling it a 'great call' and highlighting alliance unity.
'Appreciate @realDonaldTrump leadership & close coordination with Allies,' Rutte wrote. 'The ball is now in Putin's court.'
The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also struck a very positive tone in her reaction to the call, saying it was a 'very good' conversation.
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'Today Europe, the US and Nato have strengthened the common ground for Ukraine. We will remain in close coordination. Nobody wants peace more than us, a just and lasting peace,' The Guardian quoted her as saying.
With inputs from agencies
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