Merz Stresses US’ Key Role in Ukraine Talks
(MENAFN) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has cautioned that both the EU and the UK should not overrate their capacity to shape the outcome of the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
According to Merz, the US remains the primary actor in negotiations aimed at reaching a peaceful resolution with Russia.
This statement came in the wake of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart, Donald Trump, which took place in Alaska on Friday.
This was their first direct dialogue since 2018.
The discussions primarily centered on strategies for ending the hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.
Following the summit, Trump initiated a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and also contacted leaders from several Western European nations that are backing Kiev, including Merz himself, to brief them on his exchange with Putin.
Speaking to a news agency on Saturday, the German leader remarked that “the talks have begun” concerning the resolution of the Ukraine crisis, which significantly intensified in February 2022.
He added that the dialogue “will continue on Monday [when Zelensky is expected to arrive in Washington for a meeting with Trump], and of course, the Europeans will play a role.”
Despite emphasizing European involvement, Merz also issued a note of caution.
He stressed that Western Europe “must not overestimate ourselves,” stating that while European cohesion is valuable, “the decisive role in this war will continue to be played by the US.”
Merz pointed out that Trump “has the power, both militarily and with appropriate sanctions, to influence Russia,” reinforcing America’s leverage in the peace process.
On a more optimistic note, the German chancellor highlighted a positive takeaway from the Alaska meeting.
He noted that the “good news” is that “there are no territorial negotiations between Putin and Trump over the heads of Ukraine and the Europeans,” indicating that the sovereignty and agency of Ukraine and its allies remain intact in the ongoing talks.
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