WASHINGTON, D.C. — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, that a direct meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to occur within the next two weeks, marking a potential breakthrough in efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Speaking after a White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Merz expressed cautious optimism about the talks, according to Bloomberg.
“We are working to facilitate a direct dialogue between Putin and Zelenskyy in the coming weeks,” Merz told reporters, per Bloomberg. The announcement follows Trump’s August 15 summit with Putin in Alaska, which failed to secure a ceasefire, and comes amid intensified diplomatic efforts involving European leaders. Merz emphasized the need for a “just and lasting peace” that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty, noting Germany’s €10 billion in military and humanitarian aid to Kyiv since 2022.
Key aspects of the planned meeting include:
- Neutral Venue: Discussions are underway for a third-party location, possibly Turkey or the UAE.
- Ceasefire Focus: Aiming to halt hostilities that have killed over 40,000 since February 2022.
- European Role: Germany and Italy seek to align U.S. and EU strategies.
The announcement sparked mixed reactions. Posts on X, including from @GlobalAffairs hailed Merz’s diplomacy, while others expressed skepticism about Putin’s willingness to negotiate. Zelenskyy, present at the Washington talks, stressed that any deal must ensure Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The meeting’s timing, ahead of the UN General Assembly in September, adds urgency to de-escalate a conflict that has displaced millions. As preparations unfold, the international community watches closely for signs of progress in one of Europe’s deadliest conflicts.
Source: Bloomberg
