Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed optimism about the possibility of a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine within days, stating that the decision now rests solely with Moscow.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during his visit to Brussels, highlighted the potential for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, which he believes could be finalized within the next few days. Speaking alongside European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Merz noted that the initiative is supported by major European states and the United States.
Merz described the situation as a critical test of Russia’s willingness to pursue peace. “This weekend might bring a breakthrough for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine,” Merz stated. He emphasized that Ukraine has already agreed to the US-proposed ceasefire, but Russia has refrained from agreeing to the deal, instead putting forward a series of extensive demands it claims must be met before reaching an agreement.
The German leader reaffirmed Europe’s backing of the US plan and hinted at increased sanctions on Russia should it refuse to engage in peace talks. “We call on Russia to take the path toward genuine peace negotiations,” Merz said, pledging continued support for Ukraine from both Europe and the US.
Merz’s remarks come amid a series of high-profile meetings in Brussels, including discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.
Germany’s federal government spent over 1.2 billion euros on software, licenses and IT services in 2024, more than 25% higher than the previous year.
Russia intends to withdraw from its long-standing agreement on military-technical cooperation with Germany, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced, citing that relevant internal procedures are currently underway.
Germany’s producer prices dropped 1.2% year-on-year in May, in line with market expectations, largely due to falling energy prices, official data showed Friday.
Germany’s foreign minister called on Iran’s leadership to urgently provide credible assurances it is not pursuing nuclear weapons and to return to negotiations, amid growing fears of military escalation with Israel.
Berlin is preparing a new bill to accelerate arms purchases and prioritize domestic weapons production, aiming to respond swiftly to growing security threats triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday held a series of high-level meetings in Istanbul with senior officials from the UN, Qatar, Pakistan, and Iran, amid growing regional tension following Israel's attacks on Iran.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched another wave of drone attacks on Israel overnight, in what it calls the 19th round of strikes targeting strategic sites across the country.
A hot air balloon carrying 21 people caught fire and crashed Saturday in southern Brazil, killing eight and injuring at least 13 others, local authorities said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that nations' rights under international law “cannot be taken away through war and threats,” during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
A tornado ripped through a rural area of North Dakota late Friday, killing three people and leaving behind severe damage as storms lashed parts of the upper Midwest.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
The USS Nimitz is heading to the Middle East amid tensions between Israel and Iran. The U.S. aircraft carrier has a decades-long history in the region, from the 1979 hostage crisis to modern deployments, often serving as a key asset during periods of rising friction with Iran.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The Netherlands has officially returned 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, more than a century after they were looted during Britain’s 1897 invasion of the former Kingdom of Benin, now in southern Nigeria.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday held a series of high-level meetings in Istanbul with senior officials from the UN, Qatar, Pakistan, and Iran, amid growing regional tension following Israel's attacks on Iran.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched another wave of drone attacks on Israel overnight, in what it calls the 19th round of strikes targeting strategic sites across the country.
A hot air balloon carrying 21 people caught fire and crashed Saturday in southern Brazil, killing eight and injuring at least 13 others, local authorities said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that nations' rights under international law “cannot be taken away through war and threats,” during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday held a series of high-level meetings in Istanbul with senior officials from the UN, Qatar, Pakistan, and Iran, amid growing regional tension following Israel's attacks on Iran.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched another wave of drone attacks on Israel overnight, in what it calls the 19th round of strikes targeting strategic sites across the country.
A hot air balloon carrying 21 people caught fire and crashed Saturday in southern Brazil, killing eight and injuring at least 13 others, local authorities said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that nations' rights under international law “cannot be taken away through war and threats,” during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
A tornado ripped through a rural area of North Dakota late Friday, killing three people and leaving behind severe damage as storms lashed parts of the upper Midwest.
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