Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held talks in Kyiv on August 22. This is reported on the official website of the head of state.
The parties discussed issues of bilateral cooperation, economic topics, the situation in Donbas, and much more.
In particular, as Volodymyr Zelensky said, in the matter of a peaceful settlement in the Donbass and the restoration of sovereignty and territorial integrity, Ukraine is counting on Germany, which it considers a key ally in Europe.
"It is important that within the framework of the "Normandy Four" Ukraine, Germany and France have a consolidated position regarding the peace settlement plan, which should be based on clusters. The Paris agenda, which must be implemented, remains relevant. We strive to achieve a regime of permanent and stable ceasefire, exchange of detained persons, opening of EECPs from the temporarily occupied territories and long-awaited access to these territories by representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross," the Head of State noted.
He emphasized that Ukraine's position regarding the need to hold a summit in the Normandy format remains unchanged.
Zelensky is convinced that as long as there is no progress in the peaceful settlement of the Donbass, the pressure on Russia must be maintained. According to him, the Ukrainian side wants to see active efforts in this regard on the part of its partners.
The President thanked Germany for its firm support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, the peaceful settlement of the Donbass and the non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation.
For her part, Merkel stated that the Normandy negotiation process is not moving as actively as it would like. In particular, the meetings of the Trilateral Contact Group do not take place in the desired mode, the entry/exit control points (CPVV) on the contact line did not work.
"I would also like to hold another summit at the level of heads of state, at the highest political level, inviting the presidents of Ukraine, France and Russia. And if we can develop a good agenda, I think it is possible. President Zelensky is ready to support us here," she said.
Merkel noted that Russia is a participant in the conflict in Donbass. The chancellor supported Ukraine's position regarding the refusal to conduct direct negotiations with separatist representatives.
Zelensky also emphasized that the risks and scale of threats to which Ukraine needs to respond remain high and require action. And our country is counting on Germany, which it considers one of the key allies in Europe.
The head of state noted that Merkel's visit to Kyiv on the eve of significant dates and events for Ukraine, above all the 30th anniversary of the restoration of independence and the launch of the Crimean platform, is very important.
"I thank you for the fact that Germany supports our initiatives and will participate at a high level in the first summit of the Crimean Platform, which will be held on August 23," he emphasized.
In turn, Merkel noted that the Crimean Platform summit is an important event. She stated that Germany considers the temporary occupation of Crimea by Russia to be a violation of international law, and this position remains unchanged.
"I am visiting on the eve of the summit of the Crimean platform in order to have the opportunity to discuss the issues of the Minsk agreements and the Normandy format. This is such a farewell bilateral visit. Probably, I will not come as the Federal Chancellor," she explained.
And she added that the Minister of Economy and Energy Peter Altmaier, who has the same rank as the German Foreign Minister, will represent Germany at the summit of the Crimean Platform, who will not be able to take part in the summit due to the situation in Afghanistan.
