**Ukrainian President Zelenskiy Heads to Berlin for Crucial Talks with German Chancellor Merz**
In a bid to end the war in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to arrive in Berlin on Wednesday for talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. This diplomatic drive comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain high, despite recent face-to-face negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian officials.
According to the German government, Merz will receive Zelenskiy with military honors at the federal chancellery at noon (1000 GMT). The focus of the visit will be on Germany’s support for Ukraine and efforts to achieve a ceasefire. This meeting is crucial as it marks a significant shift in Germany’s stance on the conflict. Under the new conservative government, led by Merz, Berlin seems ready to take a more active role in supporting Ukraine.
**Germany Steps Up Its Support**
With the United States showing signs of wavering support for Ukraine in recent months, Germany could play an increasingly important role as the country’s largest military and financial backer. Merz has vowed to take more of a leadership role in ensuring support for Ukraine than his predecessor, Social Democrat Olaf Scholz. This change in tone is significant, especially after Merz’s visit to Ukraine with other European leaders within days of becoming chancellor.
**No New Weapons Deliveries Expected**
Despite the escalating tensions and Russia’s accusations of increased drone and missile attacks on Russian territory using Western-supplied munitions, Germany is not expected to announce new weapons deliveries to Ukraine. The new government has chosen a “strategic ambiguity” approach, preferring not to publicly detail what arms they are sending to Ukraine.
**A Longer War Ahead?**
However, Merz’s comments suggest that the road ahead may be longer than previously thought. He dampened hopes for a quick resolution to the war by stating that Russia currently shows no interest in a ceasefire or peace deal. This means that Ukraine must continue to defend itself, and Germany must intensify its efforts to enable Ukraine to do so.
**A Larger Conflict?**
The war is not just about Ukraine’s territorial integrity, according to Merz. He believes that the political order established with Russia after 1990 is being fundamentally called into question. This raises concerns about the broader implications of the conflict and whether it may be a precursor to even larger-scale confrontations in the future.
**What’s Next?**
The outcome of these talks between Zelenskiy and Merz will be crucial in determining Germany’s role in supporting Ukraine and the prospects for a ceasefire. With tensions running high, the world waits with bated breath as these two leaders meet to discuss the way forward.
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