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Merz and Zelenskyy Outline Peace Conditions After Joint Meeting With Trump
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![Photo of Roman Kohanets]( "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
-111f0e5095e02c02446ffed57bfb0ab1.jpeg "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy detailed the results of their joint meeting with US President Donald Trump at a press conference held on August 13. Merz emphasized that Ukraine is open to discussing territorial issues—but firmly rejected any legal recognition of occupation.
Merz, who organized the online gathering of European leaders with Trump, clarified that negotiations must follow a “correct order”: first, a cease‑fire must be achieved, followed by a framework agreement. Additionally, the established line of contact should serve as the starting point for discussions, and Kyiv requires robust security guarantees.
Reflecting on the nature of the interaction, Merz described the dialogue as “very constructive.” He noted a mutual agreement that, immediately after any meeting between Trump and Putin, the US President would brief President Zelenskyy, followed by European leaders. He expressed hope for “momentum” and “peace” to come to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy outlined his intensive agenda on August 13, which included four parallel tracks: bilateral discussions with Germany, high‑level European negotiations, a meeting with Trump, and a “Coalition of the Willing” session.
He added that since the previous Wednesday (August 6), there had been “very intensive communications” involving Ukraine, Europe, the US, and other international actors advocating for peace in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy further explained that, prior to the conversation with Trump, Ukraine and European partners had agreed upon principles that were articulated by Merz. He articulated the preferred format of talks: “everything related to Ukraine must be discussed only with Ukraine’s participation. We must prepare a three‑party conversation format.”
Earlier, it was reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Berlin with European leaders on August 13, 2025, ahead of Trump’s scheduled talks with Putin in Alaska.
The meeting focused on coordinating positions regarding a possible ceasefire and security guarantees for Ukraine, with leaders reaffirming that any discussions on Ukraine’s future must involve Kyiv directly.
