German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasized that Ukraine should make its own decisions regarding territorial concessions in potential peace negotiations with Russia, without external pressure. Merz’s comments came after a White House meeting with US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, and other Western European leaders.
Merz stated that Russia’s demand for Ukraine to give up parts of the Donbass region is equivalent to asking the US to surrender Florida, stressing that no territorial concessions should be made. However, he acknowledged that Ukraine must make its own decisions in the course of negotiations, adding that a sovereign state cannot easily make such decisions.
Zelensky has previously refused to discuss territorial concessions, citing the Ukrainian Constitution’s prohibition on surrendering territories or trading land. Despite this, he acknowledged that land swaps were on the agenda at the White House talks.
The meeting followed a summit in Alaska between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump, where Putin reiterated that the key to resolving the conflict is eliminating its root causes. Moscow has consistently called for Ukraine to renounce its NATO membership ambitions, demilitarize, and recognize the current territorial realities, including the status of Crimea and the People’s Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk.
Trump has urged Ukraine to drop its NATO membership aspirations and relinquish claims to Crimea as preconditions for starting peace talks with Russia. He asserted that accepting these terms could bring an almost immediate end to the conflict, aligning closely with Moscow’s position on territorial reality.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has raised concerns about regional stability and the potential for further escalation. As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community remains focused on finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
In light of these developments, it is clear that the path to peace will require careful negotiation and a commitment to finding mutually acceptable solutions. With the stakes high and tensions running deep, it remains to be seen whether Ukraine and Russia can find a way forward that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.
