Merz says he's willing to talk to Putin

During his visit to Kiev, new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the EU, the UK and the USA were ready to impose tougher sanctions against Russia if it did not agree to a temporary ceasefire. He said this in an interview with the German publication BILD.

According to Merz, the Western allies have already agreed to increase pressure on Moscow if a 30-day ceasefire is not agreed in the coming days.

If no agreement is reached, a large-scale expansion of the sanctions regime will follow. At the same time, the support for Ukraine will remain large-scale - both financial and military," the head of the German government said, adding that the initiative was also supported in Washington.

In addition, the chancellor did not rule out the possibility of personal contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Merz, he is ready for negotiations if it will help bring the end of the war closer.

If the situation calls for it - I do not rule out such a step. But first we must understand whether there is a chance to implement a ceasefire in the coming days, - he stressed.

Recall that today, 12 May, the leaders of four European countries arrived in Kiev - French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

A "coalition of the resolute" met in Kiev to ensure peace in Ukraine after a ceasefire and the end of the war. The possibility of sending European troops to Ukraine is being discussed within the coalition.