According to Reuters, Merz expressed concern that the meeting could repeat the scenario of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. For this reason, he called on Washington to coordinate every step related to the war in Ukraine with Europe and Kyiv.
“Some here in Dublin fear that the Alaska scenario could be repeated. Therefore, I want to convey our message to the United States of America very clearly: please, no surprises. Continue to act as part of the Europe team and the Ukraine team,” Merz stated.
The German chancellor emphasized that European representatives must also be included in the peace negotiations. According to him, one of the main issues should be how Ukraine’s security will be guaranteed after the war ends.
Merz also opposed Moscow’s demand that the European security architecture be placed at the center of the negotiations, arguing that such a framework already exists through NATO.
Meanwhile, the German chancellor is seeking the support of European Union countries for continuing aid to Ukraine, as part of discussions on the union’s long-term budget.
The expected meeting between Trump and Putin, which Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to attend, is taking place at a moment when the war in Ukraine and future security guarantees remain at the center of diplomatic discussions.