German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz criticized the way the Alaska summit was managed by U.S. President Donald Trump, noting that it elevated the status of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a late Saturday interview with German public broadcaster ARD, Mertz spoke of a “grand protocol” and observed: “The press in Russia is jubilant.” However, he added: “A little less than that would have sufficed.”

Additionally, Mertz confirmed that Trump’s actions were “within the boundaries we discussed together.” Despite the one or two disturbing images we may have seen last night, “I think this is good progress.”

Mertz does not seem to rule out Ukrainian territorial concessions in principle but said: “No territorial concessions before a peace treaty exists.” He added that this treaty should also define the point at which Ukraine’s security guarantees come into effect.

The push for a peaceful solution in Ukraine continues on Monday, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expected at the White House after coordination with key European allies.