”It was an encouraging meeting. There is great consensus among all countries at the meeting, including the USA, that only Ukraine can negotiate about Ukraine. But also about the need for an immediate ceasefire and that the sanctions are working and should continue, which I particularly emphasized", writes Kristersson in a comment to TT after talks between leaders who are on Ukraine's side.
Zelenskyj and Merz
During the day, a first meeting was also held due to the situation in Ukraine and ahead of the meeting in Alaska on Friday between Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin.
In addition to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyj, others who participated included Germany's Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the European Commission's President Ursula von der Leyen, as well as Trump and his Vice President J D Vance.
Afterwards, Zelenskyj and Merz held a joint press conference in Berlin where they announced that there is great consensus about working together to bring about a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
”Important decisions” can be made at the meeting between Trump and Putin, but Merz emphasized that European and Ukrainian security interests must be protected.
We agreed that immediately after the meeting with Putin, he (Trump) will first inform the Ukrainian President and then the European leaders, said Merz.
He emphasized that if Russia does not give any signals that the country wants to reach a peace solution, Europe will put more pressure on Putin.
Sanctions must be introduced and strengthened if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire, said Zelenskyj.
”Very good”
The European Commission's President Ursula von der Leyen writes on X that the digital summit in Berlin was "very good".
"Today, Europe, the USA, and NATO have strengthened the common foundation for Ukraine. We will stand in continued close cooperation. No one wants peace more than we do, a just and lasting one".
NATO's Secretary General Mark Rutte writes on X that he is positive about the fact that they ”are in agreement about driving on to end this terrible war”.
