Merz: “We stand together”
The EPC meeting also included discussions on a possible peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
Tirana (dpa/d.de) – Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed regret over the lack of progress in peace efforts for Ukraine, placing the clear responsibility on Moscow. “We are all agreed that the Russian side had a good opportunity this week to enter into initial talks on a peace agreement, beginning with a ceasefire,” he said following discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other heads of state and government on the sidelines of the European Political Community (EPC) meeting in the Albanian capital, Tirana. “We are deeply disappointed that this did not happen.”
But one thing was also clear, said Merz: “We are united on our side – that of the European Union and the coalition of the willing – and we are firmly committed to continuing our support for Ukraine so that this terrible war can come to an end.” Merz added that previous diplomatic efforts had failed due to Russia’s unwillingness to take even the first steps in the right direction. “But we will not give up – we will press on and continue to coordinate closely on the European side together with the Americans,” Merz said.
Alongside Zelenskiy and his counterparts from France, the UK and Poland, Merz also held a call with US President Donald Trump during the summit. “We are keeping him continuously updated on the progress of discussions on our side,” Merz added.