German Chancellor Merz ‘mentally preparing’ for war in Ukraine to ‘drag on’
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he is “mentally preparing” for Russia’s war in Ukraine to drag on, warning that Moscow has no real interest in ending the conflict. Speaking to German public broadcaster ZDF, Merz said he still hopes for a ceasefire but “certainly not at the price of Ukraine’s capitulation.” He stressed that surrender would cost Ukraine its independence and embolden Russia to launch further invasions.
Berlin, together with other Western partners, has been pushing for renewed diplomacy, but Moscow has been accused of stalling negotiations, with no breakthrough since the US-Russia summit in Alaska last August.
Since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Germany has pledged more than €40 billion in military aid, making it Ukraine’s second-largest backer after the United States. Merz confirmed this support will continue, stating the priority is to strengthen Ukraine’s army for long-term defence.
He also clarified that no discussions are taking place on deploying Western ground forces. Talks with allies, he explained, are instead centred on possible security guarantees for Ukraine once a truce is reached.
Merz’s remarks come as Russia intensifies attacks that have killed dozens of civilians, raising pressure on Western efforts to secure peace.
