German chancellor emphasizes gradual path to Ukraine peace

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that achieving peace in Ukraine will be a gradual process, following recent talks in Geneva.

Merz acknowledged that while “some issues were clarified” during the discussions, he stressed that “we also know: peace in Ukraine will not happen overnight,” The Guardian reports.

Highlighting Europe’s central role in any future settlement, Merz said that the continent must be consulted and provide consent to any Ukraine peace plan, given its implications for European security. He further urged Russia to engage more directly in the negotiations.

“It is important to us that there can be no peace plan for Ukraine if we do not give our consent to issues that affect European interests and European sovereignty,” Merz said, underlining the need for a coordinated approach to ensure that European security considerations are fully addressed.

By Vafa Guliyeva