German Chancellor Friedrich Merc emphasizes the importance of a coordinated conversation with Washington ahead of President Biden's call with President Putin.
Leaders from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are seeking to engage with the United States regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merc stated that he, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, wish to confer with President
Joe Biden ahead of his scheduled call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, aiming to discuss pathways to de-escalate the conflict.
Chancellor Merc mentioned in a statement that he had communicated with U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio in relation to this dialogue.
He indicated, 'We (the leaders of France, the United Kingdom, and Germany) have agreed to talk again with the U.S. President to prepare for that conversation.'
This diplomatic effort coincides with a gathering in Vatican City, where the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV presided over a mass attended by various political leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French Prime Minister François Bayrou, U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vence, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Chancellor Merc emphasized the commitment of Europeans and Americans to work collaboratively to expedite an end to the conflict.
Germany ranks as the second-largest military aid supplier to Ukraine, following the United States.
He remarked on recent progress, stating, 'We have taken some small steps forward in recent days.
The parties to the conflict are talking to one another.' However, it is important to note that peace talks held in Istanbul last Friday, the first since the spring of 2022, did not yield a ceasefire agreement.