The Ball on the Side of the Kremlin: Merz Hopes for a Long-Term Ceasefire in Ukraine.

Negotiations for a ceasefire in Ukraine are expected in the coming days

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) expressed hope for reaching an agreement on a ceasefire in Ukraine within the next two days. He stated that there is great hope that an agreement on a ceasefire in Ukraine will be achieved this weekend.

If the ceasefire continues for 30 days, negotiations for a peace treaty could begin. The Chancellor has consulted with key allies, including U.S. President Trump and NATO Secretary General Rutte. Merz also reported on a joint communiqué developed together with Macron, Tusk, and Starmer, which is to be accepted by the Russian side as well.

In turn, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a high-level meeting with European politicians in Ukraine. It is also worth noting that Ukraine did not agree to the three-day ceasefire proposed by Russia and is demanding a 30-day truce.