German Chancellor Merz and Zelensky Reject Russian Territorial Recognition Ahead of Trump-Putin Alaska Ceasefire Talks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has outlined key conditions for peace negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. Merz emphasized that a ceasefire must be the initial step in any agreement and stated there is no plan to legally recognize Russian territorial control over occupied areas in Ukraine. Both Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have rejected any peace deal that would involve ceding territories to Russia, underscoring that borders should not be changed through violence. Merz highlighted that Ukraine is willing to discuss territorial questions, but the starting point must be the current line of contact. He also stressed the importance of safeguarding European and Ukrainian security interests, which he conveyed to former U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of a planned meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Merz indicated that Putin has an opportunity to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, signaling a potential diplomatic opening. The German Chancellor's stance reflects a firm position on upholding Ukraine's territorial integrity while engaging in dialogue facilitated by the United States.