German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged US President Donald Trump not to take any sudden steps during his planned meeting in China next week with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"I want to reiterate very clearly our message to the United States of America. Please, no surprises. Stand by Europe and Ukraine and let's work together for a real peace in Ukraine ," Merz told reporters.
The German Chancellor's statement comes at a time when European countries are seeking to maintain a coordinated stance with Washington regarding efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Chancellor Merz underlined the importance of transatlantic cooperation and mutual support for Kiev.
The announced meeting between Trump and Putin in China is expected to attract the attention of European allies, who demand that any discussion on the future of Ukraine not take place without its involvement and without coordination with European partners.
He also added that "there is no need to discuss a new European security architecture with Moscow because it already exists."