Merz says there is a “first chance for peace” in Ukraine after talks with Trump

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has declared that a “first chance for peace” between Russia and Ukraine has emerged after the leaders of the Group of Seven and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed on further steps.

This was reported by 20 Minuten.

According to Merz, European leaders and Trump discussed further steps toward ending the war in Ukraine. The parties agreed to continue supporting Ukraine while simultaneously increasing pressure on Russia.

The chancellor particularly highlighted the American president’s position on the war.

“What gives us all reason for confidence is President Trump’s words: Russia must end this war. And I believe that is a clear signal,” Merz said.

The discussions also raised the question of possible new sanctions against Russia and further steps aimed at compelling Moscow to come to the negotiating table. Merz expressed his conviction that Russia would not be able to achieve victory by military means, and that economic pressure and sanctions are creating conditions for a possible peace. The chancellor also stated that cooperation between Europe and the United States in the peace process would become even closer going forward.

On the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with Trump. Merz said that he and Zelensky had jointly appealed to the American leader to support efforts toward a negotiating process between Ukraine and Russia.

Trump hinted that the United States could reimpose sanctions on Russian oil that had been suspended during the war with Iran. Zelensky, for his part, announced a new meeting with Trump on June 17.