Merz shows Trump on map why Ukraine's front line must not move west

Merz said this in an interview with ARD following talks with Trump in Washington, Ukrinform reports.

"We looked once again at the map of Ukraine. And I think that was important. I clearly explained to him again: the front line that Ukraine is currently holding must remain and must not be shifted further west in favor of Russia, at the expense of Ukraine," Merz said.

He noted that along this line "really strong defensive positions have been built – with bunkers, anti-tank obstacles and much more."

"If this line falls and Russia manages to advance beyond it further west or even seize additional territory, then, as I put it, the 'highway to Kyiv' will be open," the chancellor said.

He stressed that such a scenario would be unacceptable from Ukraine's point of view, but equally unacceptable from the point of view of Europeans.

During the meeting, Trump and Merz also discussed Ukraine's access to the Black Sea.

"I also showed him again on the map that Odesa and the surrounding region are the area that will continue to give Ukraine access to the Black Sea in the future. And that must also remain," the chancellor said.

Overall, Merz described the atmosphere of the meeting with Trump as "good."

Photo: The White House