Politics1 min read

Germany's Merz asks Trump for 'no surprises' from Putin talks

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In short

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged U.S. President Donald Trump to avoid unexpected moves during upcoming Ukraine talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in China. Referencing a past bilateral summit in Anchorage, Merz emphasized that the primary focus must be achieving peace alongside solid security guarantees for Kyiv. Substantive negotiations involving European representatives for the first time are expected soon, following recent U.S.-Russia discussions held in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, Merz is pushing European Union leaders to secure funding for Ukraine in the bloc's long-term budget, though a final deal remains distant.

Key points

  • Merz urged Donald Trump to maintain coordination with European allies and Ukraine rather…: Merz urged Donald Trump to maintain coordination with European allies and Ukraine rather than springing surprises during talks with Vladimir Putin.
  • Future peace discussions must prioritize establishing effective security guarantees for U…: Future peace discussions must prioritize establishing effective security guarantees for Ukraine alongside a sustainable end to the war.
  • European Union leaders broadly support funding Ukraine through the bloc's long-term budge…: European Union leaders broadly support funding Ukraine through the bloc's long-term budget, but a final agreement is far from complete.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pushing for EU leaders to commit to supporting Ukraine as part of negotiations on the bloc's long-term budget.

BERLIN: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday (Nov 13) urged US President Donald Trump not to spring any surprises during expected talks on Ukraine with Russian President Vladimir Putin in China next week.

"Some here in Dublin fear this could turn into a 'second Anchorage moment'," said Merz, referring to the Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage, Alaska, that European leaders had viewed as a potentially pivotal moment in efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

"I therefore want to state our message to the United States very clearly: please, no surprises. Continue to play as part of 'Team Europe' and 'Team Ukraine'."

Merz is pushing for EU leaders to commit to supporting Ukraine as part of negotiations on the bloc's long-term budget.

He said the proposal had received broad backing, although an agreement remained a long way off.

Following meetings between US and Russian representatives in Abu Dhabi this week, substantive peace negotiations are expected to begin in…

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