German Chancellor Merz Insists Ukraine and Europe Must Lead Peace Talks
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz asserts that any resolution to the war in Ukraine requires the direct participation of Kyiv and European nations.
POLICY WIRE — Singapore — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared on Tuesday that any diplomatic efforts between the United States and Russia to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine will fail if they exclude Kyiv and European stakeholders.
Speaking at the Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, Merz emphasized that the defense of Ukraine is inextricably linked to the preservation of Europe’s broader political order and territorial integrity. He maintained that Berlin remains committed to supporting Kyiv for as long as Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to pursue the war.
Merz explicitly stated that Ukraine’s capitulation is not an option, framing the struggle as a vital interest for the continent. While diplomatic discussions regarding potential negotiating formats with Moscow remain in flux, the Chancellor underscored that any viable peace process must involve a multilateral approach including the U.S., Russia, Ukraine, and European partners.
The Chancellor also addressed the humanitarian toll of the conflict, noting that Moscow is actively attempting to undermine the morale of the Ukrainian population. In response to the ongoing destruction, Merz previously announced a 350 million euro commitment dedicated to repairing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
This commitment follows a broader financial pledge made during a recent visit to Kyiv, where Merz unveiled an aid package valued at more than 1.3 billion euros, or approximately 1.5 billion dollars, to bolster the nation against escalating Russian attacks.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
