Germany Urges Pressure On Russia For Fair Peace

JAKARTA - German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called for pressure on Russia, including more aid to Ukraine. This was done to ensure Moscow provides concessions towards "fair and lasting peace."

Wadephul spoke in Tokyo as US President Donald Trump prepares to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The meeting follows Trump's talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday last week.

"It may not be too much to say that the whole world is observing Washington," he said at a press conference with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

"Strong security guarantees are essential as Ukraine must be able to defend itself effectively even after the ceasefire and peace agreement."

Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and other European leaders met on Sunday to support Zelenskyy ahead of the meeting at the White House.

They welcomed US talks on security guarantees for Ukraine, but said Kyiv should be included in any territorial negotiations and its remaining territory must be protected.