Here is the translation of the provided text into English:
Merz openly expressed doubt about a swift end to the war in Ukraine, emphasizing that there are currently no signs indicating that the conflict will end in the near future. The head of the German government made this statement during a press conference in Berlin on Wednesday, highlighting that the situation remains tense and that efforts to find a quick resolution to the war continue to face difficulties. "At present, there are no signs that the conflict could end quickly," said the chancellor, adding that he still hopes for potential future dialogue and efforts from the parties to find a compromising solution. Merz emphasized that the main priority now is the possibility of bringing all sides of the conflict to the negotiation table, even if only in a meeting at the Vatican, which could become a first step toward reducing tension and finding pathways to peace. The chancellor stressed the importance of Germany's active role in diplomatic efforts to establish peace and support Ukraine. He noted that the country must play a strong and supportive role to facilitate dialogue and ease the tension that has lasted for over a year. This statement was issued amid tense negotiations and diplomatic efforts by the international community. Referring to recent events, Merz recalled a phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin that took place on Monday. According to sources, during the discussion, Trump asked his colleague to propose an initiative that could be acceptable to Ukraine and Europeans, and which they would not reject outright. Experts note that this indicates Washington's desire to find diplomatic ways to de-escalate the conflict. Separately, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed the position that the United States remains open to receiving a concrete peace proposal from Moscow. At the same time, he emphasized that Washington is waiting for more active steps from Russia to understand its intentions and possible aspirations for resolving the conflict. This reflects the tense diplomatic situation and the need for deeper efforts from both sides to achieve sustainable peace. Thus, the situation remains tense, and the political and diplomatic environment continues to prepare for possible new steps and negotiations that will determine the further course of events in the war, which has been unfolding on Ukrainian soil for over a year.