German chancellor urges Putin to seize “opportunity” for ceasefire at Alaska summit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine and embrace the diplomatic opportunity presented by his high-stakes meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska.

In a sharply worded statement outlining Germany’s position ahead of the Trump-Putin talks, Merz emphasized the urgent need for Russia to end hostilities and engage in meaningful negotiations with Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports.

Dreieinhalb Jahre nach dem völkerrechtswidrigen Angriff auf die Ukraine hat Russland heute die Gelegenheit, einem Waffenstillstand zuzustimmen und die Feindseligkeiten einzustellen. 1/6

— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) August 15, 2025

“Three and a half years after Russia's attack on Ukraine, which violated international law, Russia now has the opportunity to agree to a ceasefire and end hostilities,” Merz said, aligning Germany’s stance with its European allies.

He added that “the goal must be a summit also attended by President Zelenskyy of Ukraine where a ceasefire must be agreed.”

The German chancellor underscored the importance of President Trump’s role in the evolving diplomatic landscape. “President Trump can now achieve a significant step toward peace. For this initiative and the close coordination of recent days, we extend our gratitude to him. During our last conversation with European partners, we assured him of our continued support for Ukraine. President Trump can rely on that.”

Highlighting the need for inclusive dialogue, Merz stated: “We expect President Putin to take US President Donald Trump's offer of talks seriously and to enter into negotiations with Ukraine without conditions after the meeting in Alaska.”

He reaffirmed Europe’s unwavering support for Kyiv and insisted that Ukraine’s sovereignty must not be compromised. “Ukraine needs strong security guarantees. Territorial issues can only be resolved with the consent of the Ukrainians. We conveyed these messages to President Trump with clarity and unity on his way to Anchorage. I remain in contact with him on this matter.”

“In recent days, Germany, alongside Ukraine and its European allies, has shown the path to peace that safeguards the fundamental security interests of Europe and Ukraine,” Merz said.

By Vafa Guliyeva