German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (left) welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin on Aug. 13.
Filip Singer/Getty Photos
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Filip Singer/Getty Photos
BERLIN — European leaders met just about with President Trump on Wednesday, urging him to press Russian President Vladimir Putin for a ceasefire and safety ensures for Ukraine earlier than any peace talks start. The Trump-Putin assembly is about for Friday in Alaska — with out Ukraine’s president on the desk.
At a joint information convention with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned Trump agreed that Russia should decide to these phrases earlier than negotiations begin. Merz mentioned Europe, NATO and Trump have been “in broad agreement” on subsequent steps — together with rejecting authorized recognition of Russian-occupied territory.
Merz warned that Europe’s safety and democracy are at stake if Russia’s invasion goes unchallenged, saying Putin may goal different nations if allowed to maintain land taken by drive.
“The strategy is based on supporting Ukraine and putting pressure on Russia. So, if in Alaska there’s no movement on the Russian side, then the U.S. and the Europeans need to increase the pressure.”
Talking later on the Kennedy Heart in Washington, Trump known as the assembly “friendly” and rated it “a 10.” He mentioned there’s “a very good chance” of a follow-up summit with Putin and Zelenskyy “almost immediately” if Friday’s talks go effectively — however he additionally warned that “very severe consequences” await Russia if there is no ceasefire deal.
President Trump speaks on the Kennedy Heart in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 13.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Photos/Bloomberg
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Andrew Harnik/Getty Photos/Bloomberg
Nonetheless, Trump acknowledged he does not imagine he can cease Putin from concentrating on civilians, casting doubt on the possibilities for a fast truce.
“I’ve had a lot of good conversations with him. Then I go home and I see that a rocket hit a nursing home, or a rocket hit an apartment building, and people are laying dead in the streets. So, I guess the answer to that is no, because I’ve had this conversation.”
Putin now controls practically 20% of Ukraine, together with Crimea and most of 4 japanese areas. He’s demanding that Ukraine withdraw from remaining territory there and abandon plans to hitch NATO — calls for Kyiv calls unconstitutional and unacceptable.
