German Chancellor Merz Condemns Russia Amid Stalled Ukraine Peace Talks
ROME – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Russia on Saturday for its relentless attacks on Ukraine, stressing that recent peace talks had fallen short of expectations. Speaking alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Merz pledged to escalate sanctions against Moscow.
The comments followed the first direct negotiations in years between Kyiv and Moscow, which failed to secure a ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin declined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposal for a face-to-face meeting, despite suggesting alternative talks. Merz highlighted the constructive stance of Ukrainian negotiators, pointing out that while an agreement was reached to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war, Russia continues to reject calls for a comprehensive ceasefire.
In the context of these developments, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to discuss the situation with Putin, Zelenskyy, and NATO leaders in an effort to end the conflict.
Merz and Meloni emphasized that Europe is not close to deploying troops in Ukraine, reiterating their focus on achieving an unconditional ceasefire. "We want the weapons to stop, the killing to end — these are the questions we are dedicated to now," Merz stated.
The discussions between the two leaders also included the ongoing crisis in Gaza, where Israel has intensified military operations against Hamas. Meloni, a strong supporter of Israel, faced calls to condemn the escalating violence. She acknowledged the increasingly dramatic humanitarian situation in Gaza, urging for compliance with international law. Over 150 individuals reportedly died in Israeli strikes within 24 hours, with more than 3,000 casualties since hostilities resumed in March.
Both leaders expressed their commitment to addressing these critical international issues at a time of escalating conflict.
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