Talks cannot begin until the weapons fall silent, Germany’s Merz says

He made the statement on social media.

"Yesterday in Kyiv, we and our partners called for a 30-day ceasefire to create space for negotiations. Ukraine agreed with no ifs or buts," Merz reminded.

The German Chancellor noted that Russia is now signaling readiness for negotiations. He called this a good first step but emphasized that it is not enough.

"We expect Moscow to now agree to a ceasefire. This is essential before beginning a genuine dialogue. Talks cannot begin until the weapons fall silent," Merz wrote.

• In a nighttime address on May 11, Russian leader Vladimir Putin claimed he was ready for direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey next week, but he dismissed the idea of a 30-day truce. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would keep working with both sides and predicted that the coming week would be “great.”
• French President Emmanuel Macron called Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin’s proposal to resume talks on ending the war with Ukraine in Turkey insufficient. In his opinion, a meeting in Istanbul is possible only if there is a ceasefire.
• Trump's special representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, emphasized that any talks are only possible after the start of a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.