German chancellor: If Putin is invited to G20 summit, Zelenskyy must be there too

If US President Donald Trump invites Russian ruler Vladimir Putin to the G20 summit in Miami and the war between Russia and Ukraine is discussed there, Ukraine must also be represented at the meeting, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said.

Source: Merz at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin on 3 November, as reported by European Pravda

Quote: "If President Trump decides to invite the Russian president, then Ukraine must be discussed. And if we are going to discuss Ukraine, the Ukrainian president must be at the table." [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president – ed.]

Details: Merz argued that "it is unacceptable for other countries to decide Ukraine's fate without Ukraine's involvement".

"And if Ukraine is at the table, Europe will be there too," the chancellor said.

Merz noted that talks are underway in Europe to prepare for the summit, as the opportunity for a diplomatic settlement of the war must not be missed.

Background:

• The German chancellor said that Europe wants and must take part in peace negotiations, as key issues cannot be resolved without it.
• He also stated that his country will continue to support Ukraine and mentioned the implementation of agreements on additional assistance in air defence and energy.

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