German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has today discussed with US President Donald Trump the next steps to put an end to the war in Ukraine, in Washington's full renewed diplomatic offensive.
© Andrew Shugsun/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images
17/09/2026
by
Lusa
“ O chancellor and President exchanged views on the next steps to end the war in Ukraine,” said Stefan Kornelius, spokesperson for the German government’s head, in a statement.
Earlier this month, the White House sent to Moscow and Kyiv emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to resume peace talks after a six-month break.
During the conversation, in which the two leaders also addressed the conflict in the Middle East, and Merz welcomed the legislation adopted by the US Congress on sanctions against the Russian regime, which also covers the Islamic Republic of Iran.
On the ground, Ukraine and Russia exchange daily long-distance attacks and maintain an extensive contact area along the front line.
Ukraine, which relies largely on the financial aid of its Western allies to cope with the Russian invasion, is facing a deteriorating economic situation. For several months the country has been involved in an escalation of long-range attacks with Moscow, which has led to the early use of the resources foreseen for the rest of 2026.
The Russian attacks hit the metallurgical and agricultural exports sectors, which are fundamental to the Ukrainian economy.
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022.