Before the summit: Initiative to Ukraine: Merz is looking for a common line with Trump

Chancellor Friedrich Merz tries to come to a common line of Europeans with US President Donald Trump over a possible end to the Ukraine war. On Wednesday and thus two days before the planned meeting Trump with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, on the initiative of the Chancellor, European state and government heads with the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj and Trump.

The video conference should be about further options for action to create pressure on Russia. “In addition, the preparation of possible peace negotiations and the associated questions about territorial claims and collateral should be spoken of,” said government spokesman Stefan Kornelius in Berlin.

On Friday, Trump and Putin in the US state of Alaska want to negotiate a possible peace solution in the Russian attack war, which has been lasting for around three and a half years. Trump represents the meeting in Alaska as an attempt to get closer to the end of the fights. In this context, he spoke of a possible exchange of territory between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine strictly rejects territories.

Preparations for Alaska summit

Before the digital consultations with Trump and US Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday afternoon, a virtual meeting of Merz with the heads of state and government from France, Great Britain, Italy, Poland and Finland is planned, in which EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO General Secretary Rutte and Selenskyj are also to take part. After the consultations with Trump, consultations of European state and government heads are planned again.

A spokeswoman for the EU Commission confirmed that the Leyen participates in the advice of European heads of government with Trump. The conversations would be organized by Merz. According to the Élysée Palace, France’s President Emmanuel Macron is also part of the talks with Trump. Accordingly, it is a common initiative by Macron, Merz and the British Premier Keir Straiter.

Ukraine participate in peace solution

The Federal Government emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s participation in every peace solution. At the same time, this could “be a very, very important moment for the further course of this terrible war,” said deputy government spokesman Steffen Meyer.

At statements by Merz, who explained in the ARD, he referred to the fact that the Ukrainians would be involved. The spokesman said: “Because if the goal is to really achieve a sustainable and just peace, then this is only conceivable with Ukraine. It is completely impossible to achieve this goal across the heads of the Ukrainians.”

Poland had also warned the participation of neighboring Ukraine in every peace solution before Trump and Putin’s planned meeting.

Possible regional custody?

NATO Secretary General Rutte emphasized that Ukraine was a sovereign state that determines his geopolitical future himself. But he also said to the US broadcaster ABC: “At the moment we have to note that Russia controls part of the Ukrainian territory.” After a ceasefire, the question will arise as to how it will go on in territorial questions and with a view to possible security guarantees for Ukraine.

The Ukrainian ambassador in Germany, Oleksii Makeieev, warned not only to focus on territorial questions, but on people.

Meanwhile, the EU Foreign Minister wanted to discuss their next steps at a video conference. “Europe’s core interests are at stake,” said EU foreign commissioner Kaja Kallas in front of a special meeting. She emphasized that every agreement between the United States and Russia must include Ukraine and the EU, “because it is about the security of Ukraine and all of Europe”. Russia’s aggression should not be rewarded – the areas temporarily occupied by Russian were part of Ukraine.

Selenskyj: will defend our independence

In his evening video address, the Ukrainian President Selenskyj indirectly underlined that he will not accept a deal for the exchange of territory. “We will definitely defend our country and our independence,” he emphasized. And everything that affects Ukraine must be decided with the participation of Ukraine.

In the meeting on Friday, the Ukrainian President sees a new attempt to deceive Moscow. “We understand the intentions of the Russians to deceive America – we won’t allow that,” said Selenskyj. He appreciates Trump’s determination to end the war. Nevertheless, the only reason for the continued killing in Ukraine is Putin’s wish to wage war “and to manipulate everyone with whom he comes into contact”.

Selenskyj is not invited to Alaska. However, the US Nato ambassador does not rule out an invitation to Selenskyj for the meeting. “I think it is quite possible,” Matthew Whitaker told CNN. The decision is made by US President Trump. With a view to a “area exchange” between Russia and Ukraine brought into play by Trump, Whitaker said that it was about finding an agreement. Unterships are currently advising which areas could be affected.

Many injuries in Russian air strike – dead in Russia

In the meantime, at least 20 people were injured in a Russian air raid with aircraft bombs to the South Ukrainian city of Saporischschja. As military manager Iwan Fedorow announced on Facebook, one of the lubricants hit a bus station in the center. In the late evening, Russia reported two dead in a Ukrainian drone attack in Tula.