German chancellor hopeful for extended Ukraine ceasefire
The new German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, expresses hope that a ceasefire in Ukraine could be possible as early as this weekend, reports the German portal Bild.
What do you need to know?
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted in Brussels on Friday that there is a "big chance" to extend the current three-day pause in military actions to 30 days.
- If the ceasefire can be extended, then "negotiations for a peace agreement can begin," Merz said.
- The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced a summit with European leaders in Ukraine on Saturday.
Is a ceasefire in Ukraine possible?
The new German Chancellor expressed hope for reaching a ceasefire in Ukraine within the next two days.
"I have high hopes that this weekend an agreement can be reached on the ceasefire in Ukraine," said Friedrich Merz on Friday in Brussels, reports the German portal Bild.
He added that there is a "big chance" to extend the three-day ceasefire announced by Russia to 30 days. "Then negotiations for a peace agreement can begin," added Merz.
In this matter, Merz spoke over the phone with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday. On Friday, he met with NATO Secretary Mark Rutte. Earlier, he also met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Friedrich Merz stated that a common stance on the ceasefire was formed with the participation of Macron, Tusk, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"We very much hope that this will also be accepted by the Russian side," said the Chancellor. "The ball is completely in Moscow's court," he added.
What are the chances for long-term peace?
According to Bild, there is skepticism from the entourage of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding a quick conclusion of a ceasefire. A Ukrainian diplomat told the portal's journalist that there is no sign of willingness from Putin to accept a 30-day ceasefire.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced a summit with European leaders in Ukraine on Saturday. The meeting will focus on further actions in the context of the conflict.
Zelensky announced that preparations are underway in Ukraine for a meeting with the leaders of the coalition of willing countries. He emphasized the importance of this coalition, highlighting the need for it to be robust and capable of providing security aligned with their common objectives.
