The Hague: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday praised Trkiye's diplomatic efforts for a potential ceasefire and peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking at a news conference after the NATO summit in The Hague, Merz said he held a lengthy bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the summit to discuss the Ukraine conflict and other international issues.

According to Anadolu Agency, Merz expressed gratitude for Trkiye's willingness to mediate, offering locations such as Istanbul or Ankara for peace talks. He urged President Erdogan to influence Russia to engage in negotiations to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has lasted three and a half years.

The German chancellor also discussed Ukraine with US President Donald Trump, emphasizing the need for additional sanctions on Russia to push for a diplomatic resolution. Merz highlighted the absence of a military solution to the conflict and the necessity of economic pressure on Moscow.

Merz mentioned the upcoming approval of the EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia, acknowledging its insufficiency without US support. He encouraged President Trump to approve a sanctions package in the US Senate to amplify pressure on Moscow and revive negotiations.