Germany rules out forcing Ukraine to make peace – Merz
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Ukraine cannot be forced to voluntarily give up its territories or reduce its ability to counter aggression.
He told reporters this during a visit to Luanda, according to Ukrinform.
Merz stressed that Ukraine can continue to rely on Germany’s support, as Ukrainian interests are also common European interests.
“This includes that Ukraine should not be forced to make unilateral territorial concessions. Ukraine must continue to be able to defend itself effectively against aggression, and for this it needs strong armed forces and reliable security guarantees from its partners,” the chancellor said.
Merz underlined that no peace plan for Ukraine is possible without the agreement of European partners on points that affect European interests and sovereignty.
The politician noted that Europe “stands united, very united at this, without exaggeration, fateful moment.” He added that substantive consultations had taken place the day before in Geneva with representatives of Ukraine, the United States, and EU member states, during which an “interim result” was achieved — to develop a common position on Russia.
This common position, based on a heavily modified version of the American plan, still needs to be approved by heads of state and government. The next step should be to bring Russia to the negotiating table.
Merz said he does not expect a breakthrough this week: “Peace in Ukraine cannot be achieved overnight.” He also reiterated the importance of increasing pressure on Russia to force it to the negotiating table.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia has not yet received the “official text” of the updated version of the “peace plan,” which was agreed upon during consultations between the US and Ukraine in Geneva. As is known, at this meeting the parties prepared a revised framework document that includes, among other things, respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
