German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has rejected a reported agreement between the United States and Russia on supplying Russian diesel to global markets, describing such an arrangement as unacceptable for Germany and its European partners.
Merz reaffirmed that Germany would continue supporting Ukraine and work with European partners to achieve a just and lasting peace that safeguards Ukraine’s freedom and Europe’s security.
“President Zelensky can count on Germany and Europe in this situation. We stand with Ukraine and will continue working together within the European Union to achieve a just and lasting peace that preserves both Ukraine’s freedom and Europe’s security,” the German chancellor said.
Addressing the reported agreement on Russian diesel supplies, Merz stressed that Berlin and its European partners could not accept such a decision.
“Russia will negotiate seriously only under pressure. That is why we are maintaining our sanctions against Russia,” he said.
The chancellor also argued that continued Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure made stronger support for Kyiv necessary.
Merz’s remarks underscore Germany’s position that economic pressure on Moscow should remain in place while European countries continue backing Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing war.
