Merz called for negotiations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine

The time has come for Russia and the European Union (EU) to start negotiations on a settlement in Ukraine. This was announced on June 25 by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking at a conference in Gdansk.

"The time has come to start negotiations, to freeze the front line," the German newspaper Die Welt quoted him as saying.

At the same time, Merz stressed that Berlin's support for Kiev is an "unshakeable duty." Recalling the rounds of negotiations that have already ended, including with the participation of the United States, he said that they allegedly were not productive. Against this background, the Chancellor clarified that European countries intend to look for opportunities to participate in future processes.

Peaceful conspiracy: Europe will try to disrupt negotiations on Ukraine at the G7

However, Trump may demand that the Europeans and Zelensky compromise with Russia.

On the same day, the EU announced the first tranche of €3.2 billion to Ukraine and promised to give it another €6 billion soon for the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that in this way the association shows "solidarity in action." On June 19, she insisted that Europe be given a mandate to participate in the Russian-Ukrainian negotiations, to which Moscow, in turn, as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov once again clarified, remains open.

On June 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin also noted the interest of some Western elites in dialogue with the Russian Federation. At the same time, he drew attention to the loss of support for the opponents of this process. As an example, he cited the situation in Germany, where, in his assessment, the ratings of political forces advocating further aggravation of relations with Moscow and increasing confrontation are declining.