The elections will test the popularity of the governing CNDD-FDD party, a former rebel group which has been in power for the past 20 years.
When it comes to Ukraine, Merz is vocal in his support of Kyiv and in his criticism of Moscow - recently warning that the fighting could drag on, despite repeated talk of a ceasefire from the White House.Justin Logan, director of defence and foreign policy studies at the Washington DC-based Cato Institute, told the BBC he believes Ukraine will present a "dilemma" for the German side in the meeting.
"They'll make a real effort to sell what frankly are the same arguments that have so far failed to persuade the White House," he said.Merz also has called for stiffer EU sanctions on Vladimir Putin and Russia - something Trump has so far not committed to, even as some lawmakers from within his own party have escalated calls to do so.Earlier this week, Leavitt said only that Trump has "kept this as a tool in his toolbox if necessary".
"The strange thing for me is, that we haven't heard President Trump say yet, is that Europe has lots of cards it can play on its own," Mr Logan said, pointing to $228bn in frozen Russian assets held primarily in Belgium."That's money that's just sitting there," he said.
From the White House's point of view, the issue of Ukraine's defence is also inextricably linked to Trump's demands that NATO allies raise defence spending to 5% of their GDP.
Germany's is 2% - well short of Trump's target, although German officials have signalled a willingness to move in that direction.and called on the Trust to
last month, the Trust said: "Any contributions to the piece have been made by those who chose to take part."None of the views expressed or actions taken by participants represent the views of the National Trust, the artist or the University of Leeds."
The artwork was inspired by a missing embroidery owned by Bess of Hardwick in the 16th Century.She had commissioned five embroideries for her stately home which were all made using recycled fabrics.