German FM calls for more pressure on Russia ahead of Trump–Zelenskyy meeting

Germany’s foreign minister has called for increased pressure on Russia, including further military and financial support for Ukraine, to push Moscow towards what he described as a “just and lasting peace.”

Johann Wadephul made the remarks in Tokyo on August 18, as US President Donald Trump prepares to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European leaders in Washington later this week, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

The summit follows Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

Speaking alongside his Japanese counterpart, Takeshi Iwaya, Wadephul said: “It is probably not an exaggeration to say the whole world is looking to Washington.”

He stressed that firm security guarantees would be essential to any eventual agreement. “Ukraine must be able to defend itself effectively even after a ceasefire and peace deal,” he added.

On August 17, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz joined French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders in talks designed to strengthen Zelenskyy’s position ahead of his White House meeting.

The leaders welcomed US discussions on possible security guarantees for Ukraine but emphasised that Kyiv must play a central role in any territorial negotiations, and that the country’s remaining territory must be safeguarded.

By Aghakazim Guliyev