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Together for peace in Ukraine

Germany - Federal Government

Statement by the Chancellor in Washington, D.C.

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has travelled to Washington, D.C.- District of Columbia for consultations. The talks with US President Trump, Ukrainian President Zelensky and several European partners centred on efforts to bring peace to Ukraine.

Transcript of press conference
Monday, 18 August 2025

Following intensive consultations with US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European partners on peace in Ukraine, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed his satisfaction.

"My expectations have actually not only been met, but exceeded", said the Chancellor in his press statement after the meeting in Washington, D.C.- District of Columbia. They had agreed to remain in very close contact over the coming days and weeks "in order to bring the initiative that has begun to a successful conclusion."

The most important points in brief:

• Conduct negotiations at the highest level: according to the Federal Chancellor, real negotiations could only take place at a thoroughly prepared summit meeting in which Ukraine itself would also take part. It would be "more than desirable that there is also a ceasefire in Ukraine with this meeting at the latest." According to the US President, there should be such a meeting between Ukraine and Russia within the next two weeks, followed by a three-way meeting between the USA, Russia and Ukraine.
• Giving joint safety guarantees: the issue of security guarantees in the event of a peace agreement had required a very long and intensive discussion, said the Chancellor. "At the end of the day, the United States of America is prepared to provide security guarantees." The question of who would participate and to what extent would have to be discussed between the European partners and with the US government. According to Merz, it was absolutely clear that the whole of Europe should participate.
• No imposing of territorial cessions: Ukraine should not be forced to cede territory. The Federal Chancellor emphasised that Ukraine would have to make its own decisions in the course of the negotiations.