Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke about the results of negotiations with US President Donald Trump.
According to Merz, Ukraine is ready to discuss territorial issues, but legal recognition of the occupation is unacceptable.
The chancellor emphasized the correct order of such negotiations: first, a ceasefire must be established, then a framework agreement, and the demarcation line will serve as a starting point.
Kyiv must also receive reliable security guarantees.
“We had a very constructive conversation. We agreed that immediately after the meeting with Putin, Trump would inform the President of Ukraine, and then the leaders of European states. There is hope for progress, there is hope that peace will come to Ukraine,” said the German Chancellor.
Zelensky announced the agreement on five common principles for ending the war in Ukraine. In particular, these include:
- Everything concerning Ukraine should be discussed only with Ukraine;
- We must prepare a trilateral format for negotiations (between Zelensky, Trump, and Putin);
- First and foremost, a ceasefire and security guarantees. Trump agreed to participate in security guarantees;
- Russia should not have the right to veto Ukraine’s membership in NATO;
- Sanctions should be strengthened if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire during the negotiations in Alaska.
Zelensky also said that he had informed European partners and Trump about the situation on the front lines and stated that “Putin is bluffing” by trying to exert pressure before the meeting in Alaska, portraying his ability to occupy all of Ukraine.
In addition, Zelensky noted that Putin wants to show that sanctions are not working.
“In fact, sanctions are very helpful and are hitting the Russian military economy. Yes, it is true that Russia has several times more weapons, including three times more artillery, but Russia has three times more losses,” Zelensky emphasized.
Zelensky also expressed hope that the central topic at the meeting in Alaska would be an immediate ceasefire.
The journalist asked Zelensky whether his position on the possible withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk region had changed after the negotiations. He replied that his position remained unchanged and was based on the Constitution.