Zelensky should be at the meeting of Trump and Putin: Merz insists on Ukraine's participation

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz insists that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should participate in the planned meeting of the U.S. and Russian leaders in Alaska on August 15. The statement was also supported by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who emphasized that this will be a 'test' of Putin's readiness for serious negotiations.

According to Tagesschau, Merz plans to have a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump tomorrow, as the meeting with the Russian leader requires certain arrangements. The German Chancellor rejected the possibility of discussing territorial issues without the participation of Ukraine and European allies, supporting coordination of actions among all involved parties.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte raised the most important question for the upcoming meeting - the recognition of Russian control over Ukrainian territories. He emphasized that dialogue should take into account the position of Ukraine and European countries, divided by the Baltic situation, where Soviet control was recognized de facto but not legally.