Merz Urges Trump to Avoid Surprises in Putin Talks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged US President Donald Trump on Friday to avoid springing surprises during expected Ukraine peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in China next week, warning against a potential "second Anchorage moment." Merz stated his message to the United States clearly: "please, no surprises," and called on Washington to continue playing as part of "Team Europe" and "Team Ukraine." He is pushing for EU leaders to commit to supporting Ukraine within the bloc's long-term budget negotiations, noting broad backing but no agreement yet. Following US-Russian meetings in Abu Dhabi this week, substantive peace negotiations are expected to begin in coming weeks with European participation for the first time. Merz rejected Russia's calls to center talks on Europe's security architecture, arguing NATO already provides that framework, and stressed the central question must be guaranteeing Ukraine's security once peace is achieved.