German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said the positions of Ukraine, its European allies and US President Donald Trump are "very much in agreement" ahead of a planned meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska later this week.

European partners expect that following his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, Russian leader Vladimir Putin will begin negotiations with Ukraine on ending the war without preconditions.

German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius confirmed the initiative in a press release, saying Wednesday's virtual meeting will focus on "further options to exert pressure on Russia" and "preparations for possible peace negotiations and related questions regarding territorial claims and security guarantees."