Merz: The West must not afford to be divided
The newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz has said he will strive for transatlantic unity in negotiations with Russia at the end of the war in Ukraine.
« It is important for the political west to not allow it to be divided, » the conservative said in his first address to parliament after taking office.
« So I will continue to make every effort to ensure the greatest possible unity between European and American partners, » he added.
His remarks come after a turnaround in US foreign policy, sparking fears that the Donald Trump administration could make concessions to Russia in peace talks with Ukraine, DPA reports.
Washington’s European allies have so far been largely marginalized in talks between the United States and Russia initiated by Trump.
Mertz stressed that Ukraine could not be forced to agree to a peace treaty against its will.
« We hope and we all work hard to ensure that this clear attitude is taken not only everywhere in Europe, but also from our American partners, » he said.
At the same time, he thanked Trump for his support for the joint proposal of Germany, France, Poland and the UK for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
Such a ceasefire can open a window in which peace talks become possible, Mertz noted.
