Putin allegedly stalls Ukraine's progress, according to Merz's claims.
In a press conference in Berlin, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) accused Russia of employing a "delaying strategy" regarding the planned meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The meeting, initially scheduled to occur within the next two weeks, has not been rescheduled since the initial deadline set by US President Donald Trump.
The delay has sparked concern among European leaders, with Merz stating that if the agreed-upon meeting does not take place, the responsibility returns to the Europeans and Americans. In a bid to facilitate dialogue, Trump has offered to mediate a trilateral discussion between him, Putin, and Zelensky, should the one-on-one meeting not occur.
The meeting was expected to discuss a potential peace solution for Ukraine, a topic that has been at the forefront of global discussions since the conflict began. The United States, under President Trump, has been actively supporting arrangements for a second meeting between Putin and Zelensky as part of a broader peace effort.
However, Trump's approach seems to favor a peace deal requiring Ukraine to make territorial concessions, a proposal that Zelensky has so far rejected. The US also emphasizes security guarantees for Ukraine and hopes the peace will be long-lasting following trilateral talks involving European leaders.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also voiced his concern, stating that strength, sanctions against Russia, and the strengthening of the Ukrainian armed forces are necessary to achieve peace. He also promised that Canada would contribute to ensuring peace and security in Ukraine. Carney accused Putin of delaying the meeting with new conditions, and emphasized the need for credible security guarantees.
The European Union is also working on additional sanctions in response to Russia's actions. Merz emphasized that it is Moscow's turn to take a step, and suggested that more pressure is needed if the Russian step does not occur.
Trump met with Putin in Alaska and with Zelensky and other European heads of state and government in recent months, discussions that were aimed at finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The deadline for this meeting is approaching, as it expires in a few days, and the international community awaits news of a new date for the much-anticipated talks.
Despite the uncertainty, there is a shared understanding among world leaders that a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine is crucial for global stability. The specific unacceptable preconditions that Putin is reportedly linking to the meeting have not been disclosed, adding to the mystery surrounding the delay. As the situation continues to evolve, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a positive outcome that will bring peace to Ukraine.
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