German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that Ukraine is the country that must decide on its representation in peace negotiations and on the parties that support it in this process.
“Ukraine is the affected country and ultimately Ukraine decides who stands on its side and who conducts negotiations,” Merz said.
He stressed that the European Union is not a neutral party or mediator in the conflict, but a supporter of Ukraine.
“The EU is not a neutral third party and is not a mediator; it is a party on Ukraine’s side. Therefore, Ukraine also decides who negotiates for it and with it,” the German leader said.
Speaking about Ukraine’s European perspective, Merz said that a country at war cannot immediately become a full member of the European Union.
“The state of Ukraine, while it is at war, cannot become a member of the European Union. However, it can become an associate member and later become a full member of the EU,” he declared.
Otherwise, Ukraine has already started negotiations for EU membership, opening the first chapter. /Telegraph/