Merz voices unexpected European priority regarding Ukraine.

Europe focuses on ceasefire in Ukraine - Merz

The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, during a press conference with the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, expressed the view that Europe is currently exclusively focused on ending hostilities in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

According to Merz, discussions about the possible deployment of a military contingent in Ukraine are not currently relevant, as first and foremost, a ceasefire and peace need to be achieved.

'We want the guns to fall silent, and the killings to stop. These are the issues we are currently committed to resolving, and no others'

The German Chancellor expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of recent negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul. In his view, they were 'below expectations'

Meanwhile, the European Union is already preparing the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, as the previous, 17th package is set to be approved on May 20.