Press statement following the EPC Summit in Tirana
European Political Community (EPC) Summit also provided an opportunity for discussion of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. The European Union and the “coalition of the willing” stand firmly together in continuing to help Ukraine, said Federal Chancellor Merz.
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- Transcript of press conference
- Friday, 16 May 2025
While in Tirana, Tusk, Zelenskyy, Macron, Starmer and Merz also spoke on the phone with US President Trump about the current talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators in Istanbul.
Photo: Federal Government/Steffen Kugler
German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed: Russia had a good opportunity to hold initial talks this week on a peace agreement with a preliminary ceasefire. They expressed disappointment that this had not taken place. Discussions between the heads of state and government were held in Tirana at the EPC Summit.
In addition, the assembled heads of state and government spoke to US President Donald Trump on the phone once more. Chancellor Merz emphasised that the partners would continue to work together to support Ukraine.