Friedrich Merz goes to establish a dialogue with Trump. How will this affect Ukraine?

He now faces a crucial test - a meeting with US President Donald Trump on 5 June in Washington.

As Dirk Emmerich, an experienced war correspondent and expert on international politics, points out:

"Merz cannot be accused of procrastination. Germany is determined to play an active role in foreign policy, and the new chancellor is setting a fast pace. Together with France, Britain and Poland, he has already formed a quartet demonstrating a new European resolve on Ukraine."

However, not all of Merz's initiatives have been successful, according to the author. Russia's recent ultimatum for an immediate ceasefire has had no effect:

"Three weeks ago, the new quartet gave Russia an ultimatum, threatening harsh sanctions if Moscow did not declare a ceasefire within 48 hours. Almost nothing happened - the ultimatum turned out to be an empty sound," Emmerich emphasises.

The chancellor's statement about cancelling range restrictions on Western weapons for Ukraine was also received ambiguously. Many took it as a willingness to deliver TAURUS missiles. But the next day, Merz clarified that there was in fact no change. According to Emmerich:

"The question arises: why was a bold statement about cancelling the restrictions made if no real action was taken?"

Russian propaganda has already openly taken the new German chancellor in the crosshairs, comparing him to Nazi soldiers and accusing him of seeking to "drag the country into a war with Russia." This, according to Emmerich, means that Berlin's statements have indeed alarmed the Kremlin.

Especially important is the upcoming meeting with Trump. Emmerich speculates:

"Merz may be able to keep Donald Trump on Europe's side. His personal charm and diplomatic skills could improve the shabby transatlantic relationship."

Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to pressurise Russia on its own. Spectacular Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian airbases, according to the author, demonstrate that:

"Ukraine is still very far from defeat. Moscow was in a state of shock after these strikes."

That is why a lot depends on Mertz's visit to Washington. According to Emmerich:

"Europe realises that for the foreseeable future it will not be able to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression on its own. Trump is necessary for Europe as an ally."

The meeting on 5 June in the White House will be a test for the new chancellor and an opportunity to reaffirm the unity of the Western world in the face of the Russian threat.

Recall, the US Senate is preparing to consider a bill on new sanctions against Russia. Trump, who has been criticised for being soft on Putin, has been given a chance: to use the Ukrainian success in attacks on Russian airbases as leverage.

He can declare: either Putin agrees to a ceasefire or sanctions will be strengthened. This will allow Trump to show: he is still in control - and perhaps achieve his goal of a long-term peace on his terms.

As previously reported, the second round of talks between Kiev and Moscow took place on 2 June in Istanbul.

The main points of the briefing of the Ukrainian delegation on the results of the second round of talks in Istanbul:

Representatives of the Ukrainian delegation - Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umierov, Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kislitsa and Deputy Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Defence Ministry Vadym Skibitsky - told journalists about the results of the talks with the Russian delegation in Turkey.

▫️Россия did not agree to a ceasefire and a meeting of the leaders. The only agreement reached was the issue of prisoner exchange.

▫️Если if the Russians were really ready for a ceasefire, their planes would not have been blown up.

▫️По on the release of prisoners, the sides agreed to focus on three categories in an all-for-all format: the seriously wounded and seriously ill, young soldiers aged 18 to 25, and the bodies of dead soldiers in a 6,000-by-6,000 format.

▫️Украина insisted on the return of Ukrainian children whom Russia had illegally deported from the temporarily occupied territories.

▫️Украинская side only received a "memorandum" from Russia today. The negotiating teams will have a week to study it. After that, the sides will agree on further steps.

▫️Все key issues can only be resolved at a meeting of the leaders. Further work by the negotiating group only makes sense if it is aimed at preparing such a meeting.

▫️Украина calls for real work to end the war.

▫️Киев wants European and American partners to be integrated into the negotiation process.

▫️Прекращение of the ceasefire is the basis for future negotiations for a sustainable peace.

▫️Украина suggested that Russia should hold another meeting between 20 and 30 June.