German Opposition Leader Merz Proposes European-Led Peace Strategy for Ukraine

During a visit to Kyiv, Friedrich Merz called for a unified European approach to Ukraine's defense and peace efforts, as concerns grow over U.S. policy shifts under President-Elect Trump.

• Friedrich Merz, Germany's opposition leader and leading candidate for chancellor, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv to discuss military aid and a European-led peace initiative.
• Merz proposed forming a European contact group, including France, the UK, Poland, and potentially Denmark, to coordinate Ukraine's defense and peace strategy independently of the United States.
• Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's need for long-range missiles, NATO membership, and enduring security guarantees, while expressing support for Merz's proposed contact group.
• The visit comes as President-Elect Donald Trump signals a potential shift in U.S. policy, raising fears of reduced military aid to Ukraine or pressure for territorial concessions to Russia.
• Merz criticized current Chancellor Olaf Scholz's cautious approach to military support, particularly on the delivery of Taurus missiles, while emphasizing the need for Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace.

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