German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin must accept he has no way to leave the war in Ukraine “successfully,” insisting that any peace deal must have the backing of both Kyiv and Europe. Merz told the Bundestag that Germany wants the conflict to end quickly, but warned against a settlement negotiated “between great powers” without Ukraine’s consent.
His remarks followed comments from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who signaled readiness to move forward with a U.S.-backed peace framework and discuss disputed points directly with U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside European partners.
Germany has been one of Ukraine’s largest financial and military supporters since Russia’s 2022 invasion. The domestic debate in Berlin has intensified as Washington pushes a new peace initiative and Trump signals interest in accelerating negotiations. European governments are wary that a U.S.-led deal could sideline them or pressure Kyiv into concessions they oppose.
Merz’s speech also comes amid heightened tensions inside the EU over funding for Ukraine and concerns about Russia regaining leverage if Western unity fractures.
Why It Matters
Merz’s remarks underscore Europe’s determination to prevent any peace settlement that forces Ukraine into unfavourable terms. They also highlight emerging friction between European capitals and Washington over who shapes the war’s endgame.
The warning that “Ukraine is not a pawn” reflects deep European anxiety that geopolitical bargaining between the U.S. and Russia might override Ukrainian sovereignty. Germany’s pledge to raise aid to €11.5 billion in 2026 signals Berlin’s intention to remain a central actor in post-war reconstruction and security planning.
Ukraine: Seeking a viable peace framework without losing territorial claims or political autonomy.
Germany: Trying to safeguard European interests and maintain influence over any peace process.
United States: Pushing a new negotiation track that Europe fears could move too quickly or exclude key partners.
Russia: Trying to secure concessions that would allow Putin to portray the war as ending on favourable terms.
European Allies: Worried about being sidelined as U.S.-Russia dialogue intensifies.
What’s Next
Germany plans to increase Ukraine funding to €11.5 billion in its 2026 budget, signalling continued long-term support. Merkel is expected to intensify coordination with EU partners ahead of any U.S.–Ukraine–Russia negotiations.
European leaders will push to ensure any talks involve Kyiv and maintain EU influence. Russia, meanwhile, is unlikely to agree to terms that acknowledge strategic failure, raising the risk that political efforts toward a ceasefire stall in the coming months.
With information from Reuters.
