OREANDA-NEWS  Russia must take the next step in the peace process in Ukraine, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said. He is quoted by the Stern newspaper.

"Russia must come to the negotiating table. And if it is possible, then all efforts have paid off," the head of government stressed.

Earlier, Merz assessed the prospects for the restoration of the G8 with Russia as its member. According to him, apart from the United States, there is no such readiness among the current members of the organization.