Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz were in a press conference,  that detailed a unified international position following a virtual meeting with the U.S. President Donald Trump and other European leaders.
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‎The talks were convened in preparation for Trump’s upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where the U.S. president is expected to discuss a path to peace in Ukraine. 
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‎​Chancellor Merz opened the conference by highlighting the historic significance of the day, marking 64 years since the construction of the Berlin Wall.
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‎He drew a parallel between that division of Europe and the new one created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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‎Merz emphasized that European nations, the U.S., and NATO are working together to “help set the agenda” for the Alaska meeting to ensure that “security interests of Europe and Ukraine must be protected.”
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‎​Zelensky expressed gratitude to Germany and other partners for their military support, stating that the U.S. is “ready to continue that support.”
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‎He added that Ukraine’s partners demonstrated “one voice towards one mission,” which he believes will lead to “peace in Ukraine.”
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‎​Both leaders stressed that any peace discussions must include Ukraine.
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‎Merz underscored that a “legal recognition of Russian ownership of Ukraine cannot happen” and that the sovereignty of Ukraine must be respected.
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‎He outlined a clear sequence for peace, beginning with a ceasefire, followed by an
‎ agreement on long-term peace with “robust security guarantees.” 
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‎​Zelensky was asked about the possibility of swapping territories with Putin. He stated that any such discussion would depend on the “result of the negotiations,” and that he remains positive after today’s call.
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‎He also warned that if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire, further sanctions should be imposed. “Putin is bluffing, he’s trying to push all over the front line,” Zelensky said, adding, “Putin cannot fool us.” 
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‎​Merz confirmed that he had a “good conversation” with Trump, who “knows this position and agrees with it.” He stated that if Russia does not show movement toward peace, Europe and the U.S. will have to put more “pressure” on Putin.
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‎​Zelensky revealed that Trump has agreed to contact him after his meeting with Putin on Friday. When asked if he considered the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting a “historical moment,” Zelensky said he would “wait for a result first.”
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‎He concluded the press conference by expressing hope for a positive outcome and reaffirmed that Ukraine must be a part of any peace conversation.