**Germany’s New Chancellor to Visit Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict**
In a significant move, newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced plans to visit Ukraine soon. According to reports from Tagesschau, the details of the trip are still being coordinated.
Merz emphasized that his main priority is to ensure a lasting ceasefire after the coming weekend, and for a peace agreement with Russia to be concluded afterward. He expressed his commitment to making all possible contributions from the European Union to achieve this goal.
However, one major question remains: whether Russia is willing to agree to a 30-day ceasefire proposal made by the United States. Ukraine accepted the proposal, but Russia rejected it, arguing that it would only give Ukraine time to regroup and not benefit Russia strategically. Moscow also demanded strict conditions, such as restrictions on Ukrainian mobilization, Western arms supplies, and recognition of Russian territorial gains, which were not met.
Merz linked the question of German security guarantees for Ukraine to the prior establishment of a long-term ceasefire. This indicates that Germany is taking a more proactive role in finding a solution to the conflict.
**A Strong Advocate for Ukraine**
Friedrich Merz has been a strong advocate for Ukraine throughout his campaign and leadership. He supports increased military aid, including supplying long-range Taurus missiles, and insists that Ukraine must win the war and restore its territorial integrity. Merz calls for a more decisive German stance, claims that Ukraine should be part of any peace talks, and that only a strong Ukraine can bring Russia to real negotiations.
**Ukrainian President’s Congratulations**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy extended his congratulations to Merz, expressing gratitude for Germany’s support which he said “saved thousands and thousands of Ukrainian lives.” Zelenskyy also expressed hope that Germany will become even stronger and take a more prominent leadership role in European and transatlantic affairs.
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