Merz: A quick peace agreement is more important than a ceasefire!

Merz: A quick peace agreement is more important than a ceasefire!

On August 16, 2025, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz made his views on the ongoing conflicts between Ukraine and Russia clear in a ZDF interview. He emphasizes that a quick peace agreement is far more valuable than a long-term ceasefire that fails to make progress. This stance comes at a time when European governments and the federal government had insisted on an immediate ceasefire ahead of the upcoming meeting of US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

Merz criticized the situation as Trump and Putin spoke and Russia continued its attack on Ukraine, which he called "disrespect." Despite Russia's aggressive stance, Merz is relieved that Trump has not questioned any of the five key points formulated by European leaders and Ukrainian President Zelensky. This is seen as a positive sign as there were no territorial negotiations without the involvement of Ukraine and the Europeans. Merz also emphasizes that Russia is ready to conduct negotiations along the current front line.

The diplomatic context

In this context, Trump informed the European heads of state and government about the talks with Putin, in which territorial concessions to Russia were also a topic. The situation remains particularly tense as Russia asserts claims to areas that it has not occupied militarily. Merz expressed confidence about the US's willingness to participate in security guarantees for Ukraine. This could pave the way to more stability and peace, said the Chancellor.

What happens next? Here, a very special responsibility lies with the political actors. As EU countries and the US strive to find a solution, it is essential that all parties engage in dialogue. Ultimately, the question arises as to whether a quick peace agreement is actually possible faster than a seemingly endless standstill.

The situation is not getting any easier for both the Ukrainians and the Russians: every new conversation brings new tensions, and the reality on the ground remains complicated. With his clear position, Merz has once again emphasized that an end to the conflicts can only be achieved through well-founded discussions and real compromises.

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Of course, the situation surrounding the peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia remains exciting and remains present in the daily news. It remains to be hoped that the upcoming talks and the will to de-escalate will finally bear fruit.