Paris: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt attacks on Ukraine and return to the negotiating table to end the war. Speaking at a joint news conference in Paris alongside leaders from France, Ukraine, and the UK, Merz emphasized the commitment of the "coalition of the willing" to maintain robust support for Kyiv while increasing pressure on Moscow through new measures.

According to Anadolu Agency, Merz stated that the intention behind these actions is not to prolong the conflict but to expedite its resolution. "Our message to Russia is: It is time to come to the negotiating table, it is time to agree on a ceasefire," Merz asserted, urging an end to the "needless bloodshed in Ukraine."

The German Chancellor highlighted that the Russia-Ukraine war has entered a new phase, marked by significant military successes for Kyiv, largely aided by Western military support. He noted a growing awareness among Russian citizens that Moscow is unlikely to prevail in achieving its war objectives.

Merz reassured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Germany's and its Western allies' unwavering commitment to providing strong economic and military support to Ukraine. He emphasized that the conflict's implications extend beyond Ukraine, affecting the freedom of all of Europe: "We stand with you-not only because Ukraine's freedom is at stake, but because our own freedom across all of Europe is also at stake in this terrible war of aggression."