Zelenskyy, Merz, Macron Outline Priorities on Territories, Security, and Ceasefire After Talks with Trump

After a joint video call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the media together, outlining their positions on territorial integrity, security guarantees, and the ongoing efforts to establish a ceasefire in Ukraine.

This is reported by Reuters.

It was noted that the leaders agreed on a common position ahead of Trump’s upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15. They emphasized that no decisions regarding Ukrainian territories should be made without Kyiv’s participation, outlined the terms of a ceasefire, and stressed the importance of security guarantees.

On August 13, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron held a joint press conference immediately following a video call with U.S. President Donald Trump. The central topic of discussion was the formulation of a common position ahead of Trump’s meeting with Putin in Alaska.

During the press conference, the leaders underlined that any future negotiations in the United States must consider Ukraine’s interests and avoid any backroom agreements regarding its territory.

French President Emmanuel Macron reported that Donald Trump confirmed his support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity during the conversation.

“President Trump told us that any territorial issues related to Ukraine cannot be resolved without its participation. We support this position and believe Kyiv should be a full participant in any negotiations,” Macron emphasized.

President Zelenskyy outlined the priorities of the Ukrainian side and the clear boundaries of possible compromises.

“We support the idea of a trilateral format involving the United States to achieve a ceasefire and security guarantees. But the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas is unacceptable, as it would create the threat of new attacks from Russia. We have seen this before, and it cannot be allowed again,” Zelenskyy said.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed that the West is ready to discuss complex issues, but only within limits that do not undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We are ready to discuss territorial issues, but only based on the current front line and without legal recognition of the occupied territories as part of Russia,” Merz emphasized.

The leaders also highlighted humanitarian issues, including the exchange of prisoners and the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. Zelenskyy noted that Moscow has still not shown genuine readiness for peace.

“Russia is not taking any steps that indicate a sincere desire to end the war. On the contrary, we see preparations for new attacks. That is why international support for Ukraine must remain stable and unwavering,” the President of Ukraine stated.

Macron emphasized that Paris will continue to support Ukraine militarily, economically, and diplomatically.

“We must ensure together that any agreement does not create new threats to Europe. A just peace is a peace that guarantees the security of Ukrainians and the stability of the entire region,” the French president said.

Concluding the press conference, Merz confirmed Germany’s readiness to work with France, the United States, and other allies on a comprehensive security plan for Ukraine.

“This is not just Ukraine’s war—it is a test for the entire free world. And we cannot afford to lose,” he concluded.

In this way, Kyiv, Berlin, and Paris demonstrated unity on the eve of crucial negotiations in the United States, emphasizing that any decisions regarding Ukraine’s future must involve its direct participation.

Recall that Trump announced that he would travel to Russia on Friday, August 15, where he plans to meet with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. Later, it became known that Trump and Putin would hold a meeting at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Anchorage.

The day before, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant said that Donald Trump would use the topic of sanctions during a conversation with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

By the way, European leaders issued a joint statement in support of Ukraine ahead of Donald Trump’s planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin . 26 of the 27 leaders of the European Union have made their position public, except for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Earlier, the media reported that Ukraine’s partners may ease sanctions against the Russian Federation if a complete ceasefire is concluded .

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