Zelensky and Merz reaffirm unity ahead of talks with Trump

Ahead of a planned meeting with US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the next steps with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

"We are coordinating our positions, and everyone in Europe must be on the same page in defending our European way of life, the independence of our states, and peace in Europe," Zelensky said on X on Friday. "There must be peace."

Merz replied, also on X: "We stand unwaveringly by your side. A strong, coordinated European approach remains essential for peace, freedom, and security. The Berlin group is ready to help – closely coordinated with our US-partners."

Zelensky says he wants to meet with Trump this weekend to finalize a possible peace plan for Ukraine. The meeting has not yet been officially confirmed by Washington.

In addition, Moscow has indicated that this plan, which has been revised by the US, Kiev and Europe, does not meet the Kremlin's expectations.

Zelensky said he briefed Merz "On our work with the US envoys – we all recall the Berlin meeting format and the productivity that was achieved there."

"This is exactly how we continue to work. We agreed to continue acting together with Europeans," Zelensky added.

The summit in Berlin in mid-December was the first major Ukraine meeting involving the US, Ukraine and leading Europeans in an EU country since Trump's new push for a peace solution in November.

"I am grateful to Germany for its unwavering and tangible support for Ukraine and our defense," Zelensky added on X.

"Thanks to our cooperation with Germany, thousands of lives in Ukraine have already been saved from Russian attacks, and we are maintaining our defensive positions to ensure the strength of our diplomatic positions. Friedrich, thank you very much!" the Ukrainian president wrote to Merz.