Europe “must participate” in peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky said today, after the Kremlin announced that Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are to meet in the “coming days.”

“The war is being waged in Europe, and Ukraine is an integral part of Europe. Therefore, they should join the process” to put an end to the war that has been going on since 2022, Zelensky said on social media.

In addition, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke with the Ukrainian president today to discuss developments after U.S. special envoy Steve Whitcoff met with Russian President Putin on the war in Ukraine, a spokesman for the German chancellor said today.

“Both agreed to maintain close contact with European partners and the US,” the spokesman said, adding that Merz assured Zelensky of Germany’s continued support.