Western powers should not be divided in their opposition to Russia over the war in Ukraine.

This is what German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, calling for a united position between Europe and the US, AFP reports.

Merz, who took office last week, also vowed that Berlin would build up its army to become "the strongest conventional army in Europe" and play a greater role in NATO and the EU in confronting Moscow.

"It is essential that the political West does not allow itself to be divided," he told parliament in his first major address as chancellor.

"And that is why I will do my utmost to continue to achieve the greatest possible unity between our European and American partners," Merz said after recently holding two phone calls with US President Donald Trump.

His comments came at a time when international efforts are gaining momentum toward a ceasefire in Ukraine and peace talks, and European allies have backed calls for a 30-day freeze on hostilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Russian leader Vladimir Putin to meet him in Turkey on May 15. So far, however, there has been no firm response from the Kremlin.

Trump is growing increasingly frustrated with what he sees as Kiev and Moscow's inability to reach a compromise. On May 12, he said he was "considering" whether to go to the talks.

Zelensky called on his American counterpart to help secure a meeting with Putin. At the same time, he accused the Russian leader of not being serious about ending the war.

Mertz said that "I have spoken to President Trump twice by phone in the last few days. I am grateful for his support of the 30-day unconditional ceasefire initiative."

"Such a ceasefire could open a window in which peace talks could become possible," he noted. | BGNES