Merkel does not believe that the war in Ukraine will end in the next 10 years.

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has predicted that the war between Russia and Ukraine is unlikely to end in the near future. She expressed hope that the war will end in ten years, allowing Ukraine to become an independent, free, and sovereign country. 

Merkel made these remarks during a WDR podcast.

The source of the information is not specified in the text provided, but the politician has previously stated that a Russian victory is impossible and has endorsed support for Ukraine.

Merkel also noted that the potential of diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict is currently underutilized, and called on Europe to intensify these efforts, since diplomacy has always been the other side of the coin, even during the Cold War.

At the same time, it has become known that Ukraine has begun preparing for a protracted war. According to The Economist’s sources in the government, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued the relevant order, proceeding on the assumption that hostilities will continue for at least another two to three years.

It should be noted that Merkel is being considered as a potential mediator in negotiations between the EU and Russia, although she herself has declined the role.

The European Union is discussing the possible appointment of a special mediator for contacts with Russia, and Angela Merkel is among the leading candidates. Mario Draghi and Alexander Stubb are also being considered, but no final decision has been made yet due to disagreements among diplomats.