Speaking to RTL and NTV, Merz said the meeting in Alaska could be a success on the path to peace if the right steps are taken now.

The German leader referred to the upcoming meeting between the presidents of the United States, Donald Trump, and Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, scheduled for August 18, where he expects a more respectful approach than the one held in February.

Merz announced that European leaders gave the Ukrainian president sound advice during consultations this Friday, referring to how to handle talks with Washington.

He also revealed that he will travel to Washington on Monday to hold political talks with Zelensky and other European heads of State and government.

The summit in Alaska devoted three hours to the Ukrainian issue, as both leaders confirmed in their subsequent statements.

Putin described the talks as productive and invited Trump to visit Moscow, while the US president acknowledged progress, although with outstanding differences.

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