Merz says Trump ‘largely shares’ European positions on Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said U.S. President Donald Trump “largely shares” European positions on requirements for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia following a virtual meeting between the American president and European leaders on Wednesday.

“Fundamental European and Ukrainian security interests must be safeguarded in Alaska. That was the message we, as Europeans, conveyed to U.S. President Trump today,” Merz said after the virtual summit with Trump, standing alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin.

Merz said European leaders shared their core positions with Trump, including the need for a ceasefire to precede any peace negotiations. Trump, he added, “largely shares” Europe’s positions “and that is why I can say that we had a really constructive and good conversation.”