Merz hopeful on Ukraine ceasefire deal, only then can Germany talk guarantees

PARIS, May 7 (Reuters) - Germany's newly sworn-in Chancellor Friedrich Merz is hopeful that a permanent ceasefire can be agreed soon for Ukraine, he said on Wednesday, but held back on making any commitments for Ukraine's security.

"I'm really hoping that there will be a chance beyond the weekend to come to a ceasefire and then also to peace negotiations that could lead to a corresponding agreement," Merz told reporters in Paris.

Only once there is an agreement can Germany give details on security guarantees "because we simply don't know the conditions yet", he added.

Merz said he is planning to visit Ukraine in the coming weeks.