July 22, 2022: Russia and Ukraine, with mediation by Turkey and the U.N., agree on a deal to unblock supplies of grain stuck in Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, ending a standoff that threatened global food security. The deal expires a year later.

BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday urged the West not to be divided on Ukraine and said he was working to ensure unity between allies in Europe and the United States on how to end the war.

Uncertainty swirled around what could be the first direct peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv in years after the Kremlin held off disclosing who would represent Russia, and Ukraine demanded clarity before deciding on its own actions.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has threatened Russia with new sanctions if it does not agree to a lasting ceasefire in Ukraine and peace talks. Source: Merz on Friday during his first visit to Brussels,