Trump announces progress in efforts to end the Russian war; Germany reaffirms its support for Ukraine.

According to President Donald Trump, the US is making strides in negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Trump mentioned that he had communicated with Putin and that discussions are continuing between the parties.

Concurrently, the first televised debates took place in Germany between Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his election competitor, the leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Union, Friedrich Merz.

The primary topics were the economic situation, migration issues, and the war in Ukraine. Both politicians agree that Ukraine requires ongoing support. Scholz emphasized that Germany is Ukraine’s largest ally in Europe and will continue to be. Conversely, Merz criticized the Chancellor for being too reluctant in his support for Ukraine. Scholz confirmed that he would not provide Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, which Merz admonished him for.

The politicians are in consensus that Ukraine cannot join NATO at this time but advocate for its EU membership in the medium term.