Washington, 19 August 2025 (dpa/MIA) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday said that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are expected to meet within the next two weeks.

Merz's remarks came after US President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that he was preparing a meeting between the two leaders, which would be followed by a three-way meeting involving himself.

Merz said the location of the bilateral meeting had not yet been agreed and stressed that it would need to be thoroughly prepared.

"In my view, it would be desirable – and more than that – if this meeting finally leads to a ceasefire in Ukraine," the chancellor said.

Merz stressed that Ukraine should not be pressured into ceding any territory. The chancellor warned that Russia's demand for Ukraine to give up the free parts of Donbass would be comparable to "the United States having to give up Florida."

A sovereign state cannot simply decide something like that, he said.

The chancellor said European partners had strongly welcomed Trump's announcement that he would provide Ukraine with security guarantees. These guarantees, he added, were the result of lengthy and intensive discussions.

"In the event of a peace agreement, there will be appropriate security guarantees for Ukraine," Merz said.

Photo: EPA