German Chancellor Merz stated on the 18th that Russian President Putin has agreed to meet Ukrainian President Zelensky within the next two weeks, with the location yet to be determined.
He told the media in Washington that Putin agreed to meet Zelensky during a phone call with U.S. President Trump.
Merz also pointed out that Ukraine should not be forced to cede the Donbas region to Russia in negotiations, comparing this to the United States giving up the state of Florida.
He said: "Russia’s demand that Ukraine give up the part of Donbas that it does not occupy, frankly, is just like a proposal for the United States to be forced to give up Florida."
Earlier that day, Trump held a meeting with Zelensky at the White House. Afterwards, Trump met with Merz and other European leaders. Following the meeting, Trump had a phone call with Putin. Trump stated on social media that he has "begun arranging a meeting between President Putin and President Zelensky."