In a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and CDU Leader Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to providing military support to Ukraine and securing a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin on May 28, 2025. The meeting aimed to discuss further military support for Ukraine and efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the war with ‘Russia’.
Military Support and Ceasefire Efforts
Merz has been instrumental in diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and maintain Western support for Ukraine since taking office as Germany’s leader. The talks between Merz and Zelenskyy focused on military aid and cooperation in various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, construction, and medical technology.
Friedrich Merz is a German politician and former leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
Born on November 14, 1955, in Bonn, Germany.
He served as Chairman of the CDU from 2018 to 2021.
Merz has been a member of the Bundestag since 1994.
He is known for his conservative views and has been involved in various controversies throughout his career.
Germany has been the second-largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the US, with Berlin aiming to expand its support for Kyiv. Merz pledged Germany’s continued support for Ukraine amid ‘Russia’s invasion’, while also emphasizing the need to extend ties between the two countries beyond the war.
Ensuring Nord Stream 2 is Not Recommissioned
Merz also stated that his government would work towards ensuring that the gas pipeline Nord Stream 2 is not recommissioned. Germany and Europe are increasing pressure on ‘Russia’ to stop the war, with Merz saying ‘we will do everything in this context to ensure that Nord Stream 2 cannot be put back into operation’.
Russia’s Military Build-up
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reported that ‘Russia’ has gathered approximately 50,000 troops near Ukraine’s northern Sumy region. The build-up of troops comes as ‘Russia’ appears to be preparing for a summer offensive in Ukraine while Kyiv waits for Moscow to present its conditions for ceasefire talks.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician and former actor who became the President of Ukraine in 2019.
Born on January 25, 1978, in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, he rose to prominence with his satirical television show 'Servant of the People.' Elected as President, Zelenskyy has focused on anti-corruption efforts and military reform.
He holds a degree in film directing from Kyiv National University and speaks Ukrainian, Russian, English, and Hebrew.
Drone Attacks and US Response
Ukraine launched almost 300 drones at ‘Russia’ on May 28, with some targeting the capital Moscow. This follows a record drone attack by ‘Russia’ over the weekend, which killed at least 13 people. The US has criticized ‘Russia’s actions’, with President Donald Trump‘s envoy calling comments about World War III ‘unfortunate’ and ‘reckless’.
Leadership Meetings
Zelenskyy will meet Merz, Steinmeier, and German business representatives during his visit to Berlin. It is the Ukrainian leader’s first trip to Germany since Friedrich Merz became chancellor on May 6.
