The war in Ukraine “may continue for many more months”, but Kiev’s partner countries are ready to continue their support, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said.
“This war may still last many months. We have to be ready for it. We are ready,” he emphasised.
Merz emphasised that the priority for Germany and France is to maintain the coalition of the willing, which provides assistance to Ukraine.
Earlier, on 28 August, Merz said that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would obviously not take place.
Merz said that he and Macron would hold bilateral talks on several topics, including economic cooperation between the two countries, the situation between Ukraine and Russia, and the de-bureaucratisation of Europe.
Since taking office as President of the United States, Donald Trump has stated the need for a swift end to the war Russia is waging against Ukraine. His administration emphasises Not supporting Ukraine, but ending hostilities and reaching a peace agreement.
In recent weeks, US officials have claimed progress towards peace, with Trump meeting with both Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
US President Trump said he would seek a face-to-face meeting between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine because he “wants it to be over.” To a reporter’s retort that Putin does not want to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (a meeting promoted by Trump) because he considers the Ukrainian president illegitimate, Trump replied, “it doesn’t matter what they say. It’s all nonsense. They’re all just playing to the public.” Trump noted that Zelensky “is not innocent either” of the fact that there is no movement toward peace in sight, and pointed out that sanctions and duties could apply not only to Russia, but also to Ukraine.
Trump said the other day that Russia would face “serious consequences” if the meeting between Zelensky and Putin does not take place. But he did not specify what the consequences for the Russian Federation could be.