BERLIN

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday that Europeans should be prepared for a prolonged war in Ukraine due to what he called Russia's reluctance to engage in negotiations.

Speaking at a joint news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Toulon, Merz said that despite hopes that emerged after US President Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts, a meeting between Russian and Ukrainian leaders is becoming unlikely.

"There is obviously no willingness from President Putin to meet with President Zelenskyy. He sets preconditions that are simply unacceptable,” Merz told reporters. “Frankly, this doesn't surprise me, because it's part of the Russian president's strategy,” he said.

The conservative leader said the US and its European allies should carefully discuss potential steps next week to increase pressure on Russia, compelling it to engage in diplomacy with Ukraine and accept a ceasefire.

"However, I have no illusions about that either. This war may last for many more months. We should be prepared for that in any case. We are preparing for that in close coordination with our European partners, with the Americans, and also with the coalition of the willing," Merz said.