Zelensky set to meet Germany's Merz in Berlin

ZELENSKY’S visit will focus on “German support for Ukraine and efforts to secure a ceasefire” with Russia to end more than three years of war, German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said in a statement.

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During their Berlin talks from noon (1000 GMT), Zelensky and Merz are also expected to discuss EU efforts to levy more sanctions on Moscow amid a lack of progress so far towards ceasefire and eventual peace talks.

After a joint press conference with Merz, Zelensky was due to meet German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who was to greet him with military honours at Bellevue Palace.

The Berlin visit comes days after Russia launched some of its heaviest missile and drone attacks of the conflict on Ukraine, and as US President Donald Trump has voiced growing frustration with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.

Conservative Merz, since taking office on May 6, has vowed to continue strong backing for Ukraine in concert with Paris, London and Warsaw.

He has also pushed to ramp up German defence spending with the goal of creating Europe’s “strongest conventional army”.