German Chancellor Angela Merkel held a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Thursday, where Zelenskiy voiced concerns about the escalating tensions with Russia and sought Western support. In an impassioned plea, Zelenskiy warned of the risk of a world war if the international community did not take action to curb Russia's aggressions.
The meeting between Merkel and Zelenskiy comes at a critical juncture, as Ukraine continues to be embroiled in a conflict with Russia over its annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. The situation has further deteriorated in recent months, with Russia amassing troops along the Ukrainian border and engaging in provocative military exercises.