The Coalition of the Willing will continue to support Ukraine if Russia refuses to agree to a 30-day ceasefire and is ready to strengthen sanctions, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.
“If Russia refuses to agree to a ceasefire, which would be the basis for negotiations that could begin immediately, then we will continue to defend Ukraine and we will continue to increase pressure on Russia,” Merz said at a joint press conference with leaders of the Coalition of the Willing in Kyiv on Saturday.
According to him, almost all EU members and representatives of the Coalition of the Willing are ready to impose sanctions if Russia does not accept their initiative. “We are all working to ensure that Russia finally agrees to a ceasefire and does not put forward any conditions, again and again,” Merz said.
He also recalled that prior to today’s summit, the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing had communicated with US President Donald Trump and informed him personally of the results immediately after the meeting.
“We are grateful to the US president for fully supporting our initiative, sharing it, and being fully involved in it,” Merz emphasized.
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