President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky received German opposition leader Friedrich Merz in Kyiv on December 9
President Volodymyr Zelensky raised the above idea at a joint press conference with German opposition party leader Friedrich Merz during Mr. Merz’s visit to the Ukrainian capital on December 9.
According to Reuters, this is the latest sign that the Kyiv government is increasingly open to the possibility of negotiations while US President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House.
On December 8, Mr. Trump called on Russia and Ukraine to immediately cease fire and sit at the negotiating table to end the conflict. The call came after Mr. Trump met Mr. Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris last week.
In Paris, Mr. Trump said he may have to reduce US aid to Ukraine after he is sworn into office in January 2025.
“More than anyone else, Ukraine is the side that wants the conflict to end the most. A clear diplomatic solution can save more lives. We are looking for this possibility,” Reuters quoted Mr. Zelensky as saying at the meeting. newspaper in Kyiv on December 9.
In addition, the leader also mentioned the idea of calling for the deployment of foreign forces to Ukraine until the country joins NATO.
Mr. Zelensky also said he would call US President Joe Biden in the coming days to mention NATO’s request to invite Kyiv to join this military alliance.
Mr. Merz, the German chancellor candidate of the Christian Democratic Union party, reiterated his support for Berlin sending the Taurus long-range missile system to Kyiv, something that Prime Minister Olaf Scholz has so far refused.
