Zelenskyy and Merz: While Russia is not coming to peace, we need to increase pressure on it and help Ukraine

Ukraine and Germany share a common understanding that as long as Russia does not take "any steps towards peace," it is necessary to continue to put pressure on it and strengthen support for Kyiv. This was stated after a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, reported president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"We have a common understanding: as long as Russia does not take any steps towards peace, we must continue to put pressure on it and strengthen support for Ukraine. And this is very important. I sincerely appreciate all the help from Germany and our relations that yield real results in protecting lives," the Ukrainian leader said.

The politicians also spoke about recent contacts with partners and further cooperation with allies, increasing defense support for Ukraine, the participation of Germany in PURL, NATO's new initiative, strengthening Ukrainian air defense two additional Patriot systems and missiles to them, as well as "reliable security guarantees" for Kyiv.

Zelenskyy thanked Merz for organizing an online meeting of leaders and a meeting of the "coalition of the willing."

• On August 13, Zelenskyy, European leaders, and Trump spoke before the US president's trip for talks with dictator Putin. The results of the call: the Europeans made it clear that Ukraine should be at the table if there is a meeting after the Alaska summit; legal recognition of the occupied territories is not discussed and other points.
• Zelenskyy said that his position is against territorial concessions to dictator Putin in exchange for a ceasefire remains unchanged.
• French president Macron said during the call Trump says territorial issues will be discussed only by the President of Ukraine.