Merz calls US' possible attempt to conclude deal with Russia on Ukraine unacceptable

The candidate for Chancellor of Germany from the CDU/CSU bloc, the likely future head of government, Friedrich Merz, stated that a possible attempt by the United States to conclude a deal on Ukraine with Russia bypassing Kiev and the EU would be unacceptable.

"What we are, of course, observing with great concern is an attempt to make a deal with Russia on Ukraine behind the backs of the Europeans, behind the backs of Ukraine," he said at a press conference in Berlin. "You will not be surprised when I say that this is unacceptable for both Ukraine and Europe," Merz said.