Merz to Lead Talks on Ukraine Crisis Ahead of US-Russia Summit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to engage in talks with the US and Ukrainian presidents, as well as European leaders on Wednesday, just two days before a crucial US-Russia summit in Alaska. The discussions will focus on the ongoing Ukraine war and will involve leaders from Finland, France, the UK, Italy, Poland, Ukraine, and the heads of the European Commission and Council, alongside NATO's Secretary General. The goal, according to Merz's office, is to explore strategies to exert additional pressure on Russia while also laying the groundwork for potential peace negotiations, as well as addressing issues related to territorial claims and security. Stefan Kornelius, a spokesman for Merz, noted that the gatherings would be informal roundtable discussions, although specific details regarding the format have not been disclosed. As per Germany’s Bild daily, an initial conference call will take place featuring European leaders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. This meeting will be followed by a joint call with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The upcoming summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised alarm among European leaders, who fear that any forthcoming agreement may require Ukraine to surrender significant parts of its territory. In light of these concerns, German government spokesman Steffen Meyer reiterated Berlin’s long-standing stance that borders should not be altered through force, especially in reference to Ukrainian lands that have been occupied by Russia. As international leaders prepare for these pivotal discussions, the focus remains firmly on finding a peaceful resolution to an ongoing conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and led to widespread instability in the region. With various stakeholders involved, the outcome of these talks—along with the summit between Trump and Putin—could play a critical role in shaping the future of Ukraine and its territorial integrity. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2