Germany’s Merz Urges Trump-Putin Alaska Talks to Secure Ukraine Ceasefire

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said European and Ukrainian security interests must be protected when U.S. President Donald Trump meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, describing the summit as a moment when “important decisions can be made.” Merz insisted a ceasefire in Ukraine should be the first step toward any agreement and ruled out legally recognizing Russian-occupied territory. He added that Kyiv is prepared to discuss territorial issues only along the current contact line. According to Merz, Trump plans to make the ceasefire his top priority in the bilateral talks. The German leader said Washington and European capitals are ready to impose additional sanctions on Moscow if the discussions do not yield progress, but expressed hope that the meeting could open a path to peace.