German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (left) welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin on Aug. 13.
Filip Singer/Getty Photographs
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Filip Singer/Getty Photographs
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 ready 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 stated Trump agreed that Russia should decide to these phrases earlier than negotiations begin. Merz stated Europe, NATO and Trump had been “in broad settlement” 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 might goal different nations if allowed to maintain land taken by drive.
“The technique relies on supporting Ukraine and placing strain on Russia. So, if in Alaska there isn’t any motion on the Russian facet, then the U.S. and the Europeans want to extend the strain.”
Talking later on the Kennedy Middle in Washington, Trump known as the assembly “pleasant” and rated it “a ten.” He stated there’s “an excellent likelihood” of a follow-up summit with Putin and Zelenskyy “virtually instantly” if Friday’s talks go effectively — however he additionally warned that “very extreme penalties” await Russia if there isn’t any ceasefire deal.
President Trump speaks on the Kennedy Middle in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 13.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Photographs/Bloomberg
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Andrew Harnik/Getty Photographs/Bloomberg
Nonetheless, Trump acknowledged he does not consider he can cease Putin from focusing on civilians, casting doubt on the possibilities for a fast truce.
“I’ve had loads of good conversations with him. Then I am going dwelling and I see {that a} rocket hit a nursing dwelling, or a rocket hit an house constructing, and individuals are laying useless within the streets. So, I suppose the reply to that’s no, as a result of I’ve had this dialog.”
Putin now controls almost 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 affix NATO — calls for Kyiv calls unconstitutional and unacceptable.
