Berlin, 17 August 2025 (dpa/MIA) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has quietly criticized the staging of the Alaska summit by US President Donald Trump, implying it elevated Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In an interview with German public broadcaster ARD late Saturday, Merz spoke of a "grand protocol" and noted: "The press in Russia is jubilant." But he added: "A little less would have been enough."

He also stressed that Trump moved "within the line we discussed together. And I think that is good progress from last night - despite the one or two disturbing images we may have seen."

Merz does not appear to rule out Ukrainian territorial concessions in principle but said: "No territorial concessions before there is a peace treaty." That treaty would also need to mark the point at which security guarantees for Ukraine come into effect, he added.

The push for a peace solution in Ukraine continues Monday, with President Volodymyr Zelensky expected at the White House after coordinating with key European allies.

Photo: archive