Merz: Ukraine may cede land for EU path

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reiterated that Ukraine may have to accept that parts of its territory remain outside Kyiv's control as part of a future ceasefire or peace deal with Russia. He stressed that EU accession before 2028 is unrealistic due to strict rule of law and anti-corruption requirements. Merz also suggested Kyiv could pursue closer alliances outside the EU framework in the interim.