Merz identifies the main problem in achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed skepticism about a rapid resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. The head of the German government emphasized that any sustainable conflict settlement requires the official consent of the aggressor country, for which there are currently no preconditions.
Merz made these remarks during a meeting of the CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag on January 8, 2026.
According to Merz, the presence of international peacekeepers can only be part of a broader process, but it cannot replace Moscow’s political will to end hostilities.
The politician outlined a clear sequence of steps needed to stabilize the situation: the immediate priority must be a real ceasefire, after which Ukraine should receive comprehensive security guarantees. Merz called these guarantees the key condition for signing a long-term agreement with Russia that would prevent future aggression. At the same time, he noted that the Kremlin is not yet showing readiness for constructive dialogue, making the prospect of a peaceful agreement distant in time.
The German chancellor’s statement comes amid active discussions within the EU about creating a European democratic shield and strengthening Europe’s military autonomy. Merz called on NATO partners not to be guided by fear of Russia, but to steadily increase pressure on the aggressor to force it to come to the negotiating table. According to him, 2026 will be decisive in determining the future security architecture on the continent, where Germany is ready to play a leading role in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and protecting European values from Russia’s hybrid threats.
It is worth noting that Ukraine and its allies have practically agreed on documents for a ceasefire — Politico. Russia has issued counter-demands to the peace plan agreed between the U.S. and Ukraine.
