German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Sunday that he is prepared for the war in Ukraine to last a long time, arguing that wars usually end either with a military defeat or economic exhaustion—yet he sees neither scenario on the horizon, neither for Kyiv nor for Moscow.
His remarks came in an interview with Germany’s public broadcaster ZDF, just a day before the deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for a meeting between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine, aimed at paving the way for peace talks. Trump warned of “consequences” if the meeting does not take place.
Both Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have stressed that responsibility for the war lies with Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged the United States to impose tougher sanctions on Moscow.
“I am preparing myself internally for this war to last long,” Merz said in the interview, emphasizing that diplomatic efforts continue intensively to end the war—but not “at the price of Ukraine’s surrender.”
He warned that allowing Russia to prevail would only embolden Moscow further:
“Because Russia would simply target another country. And then the day after tomorrow it will be us. That is not an option.”
Debate Over German Troop Involvement
Merz declined to comment on whether Germany might send troops to Ukraine as part of a potential peace arrangement. Currently, Britain and France are leading a proposal for a “security force” to deter future Russian aggression. However, the idea of Germany joining such a force has sparked domestic debate given Germany’s historical past.
Kremlin Reaction
The Kremlin responded on Sunday, accusing European powers of obstructing Trump’s peace efforts, while reiterating that Russia will continue its military operation in Ukraine until Kyiv shows “real signs” of readiness for peace.
