Friedrich Merz: “The decision on the ceasefire now lies solely with Moscow”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the time has come to make a decision on a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine and that full responsibility for it has now passed to Russia. He emphasized this during a speech in Brussels on Friday, May 9.

“The ball is now in Moscow’s court. Only those on the ground can decide whether a ceasefire can be reached next week,” the German leader said.

A platform for peace: a test and an opportunity

According to Merz, the initiative could create an important political platform for the start of future long-term peace talks in Ukraine.

“This is undoubtedly another serious test for the Russian president. It shows how much he really wants peace in Ukraine,” he said.

Europe and the US — in common position

As Merz noted, the call for a 30-day complete and unconditional ceasefire is unanimously supported by both the European Union and the United States. The German government considers this initiative to be “correct and timely.”

“We consider this direction to be correct from the point of view of the German government,” the chancellor said.

Draft joint statement ready

According to Reuters, a draft joint statement on a 30-day ceasefire has been developed by the leading EU countries — Germany, France and Poland, as well as other partners.

According to Merz, the text of this communiqué is “largely consistent” with the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, and the contribution of US President Donald Trump to ensuring broad international consensus is of particular importance.

“We would like to express our special gratitude to Donald Trump for achieving a broad consensus,” he said.

Zamin.uz editorial staff evaluates this diplomatic move as another demonstration of international cooperation and political responsibility. If Moscow accepts the initiative, this could be a new page not only in stopping the fighting on the front lines, but also in resolving the conflict in Ukraine through negotiations. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!