Germany's Merz: No Ukraine agreement will be accepted without European participation
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said after meeting US President Donald Trump at the White House on 3 March that Europe will not accept any agreement on Ukraine reached without European involvement.
Source: Merz speaking at a press briefing after talks with Trump
Details: Merz said that Europe will not agree to a deal on Ukraine that is concluded without taking European positions into account.
Quote: "We [the Europeans] are not prepared to accept an agreement that is negotiated over our heads."
Details: Merz added that during his talks with Trump he had stressed the need to increase pressure on Moscow. He believes that only stronger pressure from Washington will make Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin willing to compromise.
Quote: "Russia is playing for time and, by doing so, is acting against the will of the US president. During today's discussions, I advocated increased pressure on Moscow."
Details: In Merz's view, Europe must be involved in the ongoing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine that are being mediated by the US.
Quote: "Trump knows that only a peace supported and legitimised by Europe can truly be lasting. He also knows that Europe's contribution to Ukraine's security, its reconstruction and its integration into Europe will be simply indispensable for that peace."
Background:
- Merz met Trump in the Oval Office on 3 March.
- Officials in Merz's office said ahead of the meeting that Berlin expected clear positions from Trump on trade policy, the war in Ukraine and NATO's mutual defence commitments.
Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!