In an interview with the German channels RTL and NTV, Chancellor Merz stated: “I believe such a trilateral meeting will take place, the date and location have not yet been determined, and we proposed that this place be in Europe. Perhaps this place should be where these discussions are held permanently.” He noted these are detailed matters to be clarified in the coming days or weeks. Merz also said that the United States is ready to participate in providing security guarantees to Ukraine, praising President Donald Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine and achieve lasting peace. Merz said: “Ukraine can rely on our steadfast solidarity as we work to achieve peace that protects the vital security interests of Ukraine and Europe.” In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Putin for the “illegal” transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the United States’ “openness” to providing security guarantees to Kyiv under a peace agreement to end the Russian war on Ukraine, emphasizing in a statement that strong and reliable security guarantees are necessary for any just and lasting peace. Carney said: “President Trump’s leadership and the United States provide an opportunity to end the illegal Russian war in Ukraine.”