German Chancellor Merz sees no readiness from Russia to end the war — Anadolu Agency
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in Berlin that he sees no signs of the Russian Federation — the aggressor state — being ready for serious negotiations to end the war against Ukraine. He made this assessment during a briefing with European Council President António Costa, despite a new diplomatic initiative by the United States.
Berlin’s position on negotiations
According to Merz, Germany has for several months been offering a diplomatic path to end the war. The federal government and he personally, he said, are prepared to use all available means to facilitate a diplomatic settlement. At the same time, the chancellor believes that as long as the Russian government does not respond to proposals for dialogue, negotiations and diplomatic solutions, there is little chance of reaching an agreement.
Merz stressed that Berlin will not abandon its diplomatic efforts. He also noted that Germany’s support for Ukraine is aimed not at prolonging the war but at ending it, and should be combined with the use of all possible diplomatic tools. This was reported by Anadolu Agency.
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European Union support
António Costa called on Russia to end the war rather than intensify or prolong it. He confirmed that the European Union will continue to support Ukraine for as long as necessary: during the war, in possible negotiations, in reconstruction and on its path to EU membership.
The European Council president also condemned hybrid activity in Europe, including drone incidents, sabotage, and attacks on cables and critical infrastructure. He said that Germany has found itself on the front line of this new reality, mentioning in particular an attempted attack by a Russian drone in Leipzig. Costa expressed the EU’s solidarity with Berlin and noted increased German investment in security and defense.
