Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor, plays a crucial role in European and global diplomacy. Recently, at an EU summit, Merz, alongside President Macron, criticized efforts by António Costa to engage with the Kremlin. This highlights his firm stance against Russian aggression and his commitment to collective EU positions. Furthermore, under Merz's leadership, the G7 issued a successful joint statement on Ukraine, convincing U.S. President Trump to endorse it, underscoring unified western support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. Additionally, Merz has confirmed increased military and financial aid from G7 nations to Ukraine, illustrating a staunch backing for the war-torn country. His talks with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy highlight efforts within the G7-Ukraine framework to find diplomatic solutions. Merz's commitment extends to global security, with Germany deploying ships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, indicating a proactive approach to maintaining stability in the Middle East. Overall, Merz's actions reveal his strategic focus on diplomacy and security in response to global challenges.
What criticism did Friedrich Merz express at the EU summit?
Friedrich Merz, alongside French President Macron, criticized European Council President António Costa for his attempts to establish diplomatic contacts with the Kremlin. This criticism stemmed from their unified stance against Russian aggression and their commitment to collective EU positions on diplomacy and security.
How did Friedrich Merz describe the G7's joint statement on Ukraine?
Friedrich Merz described the G7's joint statement on Ukraine as a "real success." He emphasized the importance of this collective statement, particularly because it managed to secure the endorsement of U.S. President Donald Trump, signifying unified international support for Ukraine.
What are the G7's commitments regarding military and financial support for Ukraine?
The G7 has committed to increasing both military and financial support for Ukraine. This decision aligns with the group's strategy to apply pressure on Russia through sanctions while bolstering Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, further demonstrating Friedrich Merz's dedication to Ukraine's sovereignty.
What actions has Germany taken under Merz's leadership in the Strait of Hormuz?
Under Friedrich Merz's leadership, Germany has committed to contributing to security in the Middle East by dispatching ships to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz. This move reflects Germany's proactive approach to maintaining international maritime safety and stability in the region.
What did Zelenskyy discuss with Friedrich Merz regarding the G7-Ukraine framework?
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss the implementation of agreements reached within the G7-Ukraine framework. Their discussions focused on diplomatic efforts and strategies to end Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, highlighting a dedicated partnership for peace.
What condition did Merz mention for Ukraine's EU membership?
Friedrich Merz confirmed Germany's continued support for Ukraine and mentioned that supporting its accession to the European Union would come with conditions. This stance emphasizes Germany's strategic perspective on Ukraine's future integration into the EU, contingent on specific criteria being met.
Is there a potential diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Ukraine emerging according to Merz?
According to Friedrich Merz, for the first time, a "window of opportunity for diplomacy" to end the war in Ukraine is appearing. This optimistic outlook emerged during discussions coinciding with the G7 summit, suggesting a shift towards potential diplomatic solutions to the conflict.
TOP news Friedrich Merz
Germany, France, Britain and US have allowed Ukraine to carry out long-range strikes with their weapons, - Merz (updated) The UK, France, Germany and the US have lifted restrictions on the supply of military equipment to Ukraine. 29 802 122 Previously in trend: Taurus supply
Élysée Palace has revealed details of negotiations on security guarantees for Ukraine The Élysée Palace has released details of the talks that took place today at Downing Street between the President of Ukraine and European leaders. 19 445 20 Previously in trend: Zelenskyy visit the UK
Zelenskyy’s visit to US did not go as he had hoped, - Merz German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to US President Donald Trump showed how much Ukraine needs European assistance. 18 848 124 Previously in trend: Trump-Zelenskyy meeting Zelenskyy-Trump meeting
After talks in London, Merz makes statement on Ukraine: "Our support will not waver" German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has assured that support for Ukraine from key European partners remains unchanged. 13 083 48 Previously in trend: Zelenskyy visit the UK
Ukraine no longer needs Taurus long-range cruise missiles, — Merz German Chancellor Friedrich Merz no longer sees a need to supply Ukraine with Taurus long-range cruise missiles, given Kyiv’s technological advances on the front lines. 12 133 73 Previously in trend: Taurus supply
Von der Leyen, Stubb, Merz and Meloni talk about their conversations with Trump after his conversation with Putin The leaders of Italy, Germany, Finland and the President of the European Commission reported discussing the results of talks to US President Donald Trump with Russian President Vladimir Putin. 11 527 29 Previously in trend: Trump told about talks with Russia Trump-Putin talks
Trump abandons his call for ceasefire in Ukraine after talking to Putin - Bild U.S. President Donald Trump has abandoned his call for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. 11 316 56 Previously in trend: ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia Trump and Putin’s conversation
Merz elected as German Chancellor at second attempt - Spiegel The German Bundestag has supported the appointment of Christian Democratic Union leader Friedrich Merz as the new federal chancellor at the second attempt. 10 591 72 Previously in trend: Friedrich Merz Chancellor of Germany
EU approves €90 billion in aid for Ukraine The EU has decided to provide Ukraine with €90 billion in 2026–2027 to support the country's economy, defence and stability. 9 953 122 Previously in trend: Use of frozen assets of Russian Federation Aid to Ukraine from Europe
Russia must pay Ukraine €500 billion in damages, - Merz German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that Russia is obliged to compensate Ukraine for the damage caused during a full-scale war in the amount of about €500 billion. 9 907 78 Previously in trend: Use of frozen assets of Russian Federation
Five conditions for peace and security guarantees for Ukraine were agreed in London The United Kingdom, Germany and France have reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and discussed the terms of peace and security guarantees. 9 590 52
Complete, unconditional and comprehensive ceasefire for at least 30 days: Joint statement by the leaders of France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom and Ukraine Following a meeting in Kyiv on Saturday, 10 May 2025, the leaders of France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine agreed on a joint statement. 9 354 61 Previously in trend: meeting of the coalition of the willing
Merz says Putin will not meet with Zelenskyy German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he does not believe a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin is possible. 9 117 33 Previously in trend: Zelenskyy–Putin meeting
Merz, Macron, Starmer, and Tusk arrive in Kyiv. VIDEO On the morning of 10 May, the new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv for a visit. 9 103 62 Previously in trend: meeting of the coalition of the willing
Merz failed to convince Trump to be more active in helping Ukraine - NYT German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Washington, hoping to persuade Donald Trump to play a more active role in protecting Ukraine. However, he failed to achieve this. 9 026 65 Previously in trend: Trump and Merz meeting
Decision to lift restrictions on long-range strikes for Ukraine was made several months ago, - Merz German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the lifting of restrictions on the use of long-range weapons for Ukraine by Germany, the UK, France and the US. He later clarified that the decision had been made several months ago. 9 000 59 Previously in trend: strikes on russia
Merz explained to Trump on map why front line in Ukraine should not move towards West During his meeting with Donald Trump, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz showed the US leader on a map why the front line in Ukraine should not move westward. 8 974 48 Previously in trend: Meeting between Mertz and Trump
If there is no progress in negotiations by end of week, Russia’s financial and energy sectors will face sanctions, - Merz If there is no progress in the negotiations to establish peace in Ukraine by the end of this week, new sanctions will be imposed on Russia. 8 890 40 Previously in trend: Sanctions against Russia Peace negotiations
Ukraine’s accession to European Union on 1 January 2027 is impossible, - Merz German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Ukraine's accession to the European Union on 1 January 2027 is impossible. 8 742 126 Previously in trend: Ukraine’s Membership in the EU
Mertz: Zelenskyy-Trump dispute was "deliberate escalation" by US The head of Germany’s CDU party and potential future chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said that the dispute during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House was intentionally provoked by the American side. 8 407 41 Previously in trend: Trump-Zelenskyy dispute The world’s reaction to the dispute between Trump and Zelenskyy
Trump’s America "is no longer one we knew before," this will have consequences - Merz The candidate for the post of the next German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, is "concerned" about the latest developments in the United States during the presidency of Donald Trump. 8 287 41
Merz to Zelenskyy: By limiting range, we are forcing you to fight with one hand behind your back Friedrich Merz, chairman of the Christian Democratic Union party and head of the CDU/CSU opposition faction in the German Bundestag, who is currently on an official visit to Kyiv, spoke about providing Ukraine with long-range capabilities. 8 061 55
Zelenskyy’s meeting with Trump’s representatives began in Berlin. PHOTOS A meeting between a Ukrainian delegation led by Volodymyr Zelenskyy and representatives of US President Donald Trump's team has begun in Berlin. 7 642 98 Previously in trend: Peace negotiations
Zelenskyy’s meeting with Macron, Merz and Starmer ends: leaders refuse to comment to media The meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Macron, Merz, and Starmer has ended. 7 414 30 Previously in trend: Zelenskyy visit the UK
Scholz called Merz after Trump’s argument with Zelenskyy The current German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the opposition leader Friedrich Merz to discuss with him the dispute between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 7 018 22 Previously in trend: Trump-Zelenskyy dispute Support for Ukraine after the Trump-Zelenskyy dispute
We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war – Merz CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who will become the next German Chancellor, emphasized his support for Ukraine after the White House scandal. 6 846 28 Previously in trend: Aid to Ukraine Trump-Zelenskyy dispute
Meloni and Macron clash over war in Ukraine, Merz tries to reconcile them - Financial Times German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is trying to resolve a sharp diplomatic dispute between Rome and Paris over the exclusion of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni from the group of European leaders coordinating their actions with the White House on Ukraine. 6 753 7 Previously in trend: Peace negotiations
Europe to strengthen sanctions against Russia, as we agreed with Trump – Merz Europe will impose more sanctions against Russia. European leaders agreed on this with US President Donald Trump. 6 740 35 Previously in trend: Sanctions against Russia EU sanctions
After watching video of Russian strikes on Ukraine, Trump calls Merz and offers 5 Patriot systems for Ukraine - WSJ After Russia shelled Ukraine again late on 11 July, US President Donald Trump called German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The US leader agreed with the proposal to help Kyiv. 6 666 41 Previously in trend: Military aid to Ukraine
European politicians to travel to Washington for Zelenskyy and Trump talks (updated) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron will attend a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump in Washington on... 6 407 83 Previously in trend: Trump-Zelenskyy meeting
Trump outraged by Merz’s statement on Iran: He has no idea what he’s talking about U.S. President Donald Trump is outraged by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's statement regarding the presence of nuclear weapons in Iran. 6 378 18 Previously in trend: US strikes on Iran
Zelenskyy had conversation with Merz: It’s time to end war President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. 5 768 66 Previously in trend: Conversation between Zelenskyy and Merz
NATO will provide 140 billion euros to Ukraine in 2026-2027. Russia has no chance of winning, - Merz German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that NATO will confirm its continued support for Ukraine in 2026–2027 in the amount of 140 billion euros, so Russia has no chance of winning the war. 5 554 35 Previously in trend: NATO aid to Ukraine
Putin wants to restore USSR. Russia will not stop at Ukraine, - Merz German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that appeasing Russia could lead to a larger-scale war in Europe. 5 468 58 Previously in trend: Threat of Russian agression to EU
If Kostyantynivka is now "under Russian control," Putin will have no problem meeting me there, - Zelenskyy Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and stated that Russian dictator Putin is lying about the capture of Kostiantynivka. 5 449 59 Previously in trend: Situation in the Donetsk region Kostiantynivka direction
New package of sanctions against Russia is ready, will be adopted on Tuesday - Merz German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that a new package of sanctions against Russia has already been prepared. 5 364 24 Previously in trend: Sanctions against Russia EU sanctions
Merz proposes special status for Ukraine in the EU prior to full membership, - media German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is reportedly proposing to grant Ukraine the status of an ‘associate member’ of the EU pending full membership. 5 331 40 Previously in trend: Ukraine EU accession
Merz promised further support for Ukraine: Diplomatic means exhausted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz believes that diplomatic means to resolve the war in Ukraine have been exhausted. 5 325 31 Previously in trend: Assistance to Ukraine from Germany
Merz influenced Trump’s change in position on Putin - Wadephul The German Foreign Ministry claims that Chancellor Friedrich Merz managed to change the position of US President Donald Trump on Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. 5 164 28 Previously in trend: Trump-Putin Relations
Germany will fund production of Ukrainian long-range weapons systems without restrictions on their use – Merz German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced that Germany will finance the production of Ukrainian long-range weapons systems and will not impose any restrictions on their range of use. 5 047 55 Previously in trend: strikes on russia
Zelenskyy and European leaders in Kyiv honoured memory of fallen Ukrainian soldiers. PHOTOS President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, First Lady Olena Zelenska, and European leaders visiting Kyiv paid tribute to the memory of the fallen Ukrainian defenders on Maidan Nezalezhnosti. 4 995 24 Previously in trend: Honoring fallen soldiers meeting of the coalition of the willing
Merz says he is ready to give Ukraine Taurus missiles, but with consent of all European partners German chancellor candidate and leader of the Christian Democratic Union Friedrich Merz believes that Germany should supply Ukraine with Taurus missiles, but with the consent of all European partners. 4 968 60
Diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine’s interests, international borders must not be changed by force - statement by Macron, Meloni, Merz, Tusk, Stubb and von der Leyen European leaders called on US President Donald Trump to defend Ukraine's interests during his meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. 4 900 49 Previously in trend: Peace negotiations Meeting of Trump and Putin
European troops in Ukraine will be able to repel Russian forces. This is included in security guarantees, - Merz German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that with potential security guarantees from the US and Europe after the ceasefire in Ukraine, Western peacekeepers would be able to resist the Russian army under certain circumstances. 4 874 29 Previously in trend: Security guarantees from Europe Security guarantees for Ukraine
If Ukraine surrenders tomorrow, it will be another country’s turn day after that, and then ours, - Merz German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Russia's war against Ukraine could continue for a very long time. 4 807 74
Some US lawmakers have no idea of scale of Russia’s rearmament, - Merz Some US lawmakers do not understand the scale of Russia's rearmament campaign, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz believes. 4 781 26 Previously in trend: Trump and Merz meeting
Ukraine should not give up Donbas to Russia - Merz Russia's demands for territorial concessions from Ukraine are unacceptable. It is as if the United States was demanding the state of Florida. 4 742 25 Previously in trend: Trump-Zelenskyy meeting Territorial concessions
Europe may need its own military alliance - Merz It is possible that Europe will have to create its own military alliance instead of NATO, which will be independent of the United States. 4 690 52
Page 1 of 6
more top news