It is necessary to maintain contact groups to help Ukraine and continue this joint strategy, German Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz believes.

"This strategy [of aid] cannot happen only in Germany, France, Great Britain, this strategy can only be developed jointly. These contact groups should be maintained. First, politically," Merz told reporters before talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

At the same time, Merz noted the importance of this work being carried out with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and maintaining unity between Germany and Britain.