Zelenskyy and Merz Share a Laugh After Translation Malfunction

A humorous moment marked an otherwise serious meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on May 28, 2025. A translation malfunction initially caused a brief communication breakdown. "Could you just give us a second?" a voice was heard, indicating the technical problem. President Zelenskyy, seemingly understanding the issue, waited patiently. Chancellor Merz then chimed in, "We don't have it either." The ensuing laughter from both leaders, once the issue was resolved, lightened the mood and humanized the serious political context. This incident underscores the importance of clear communication in international relations, while simultaneously providing a lighthearted anecdote.