Merz Reveals What Germany Is Preparing For

• 1.09.2025, 16:18

The best security guarantee for Ukraine is to strengthen the army.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he is preparing for a prolonged conflict in Ukraine and emphasized that a ceasefire should not mean Kiev's capitulation, Politico (translated by Charter97.org).

"I am preparing for the fact that this war could drag on for a long time. Diplomacy 'is not 'flipping a switch,' but a long process," he said.

Mertz expressed doubts that U.S. President Donald Trump's peace initiative would bring results. He emphasized, however, that Washington should continue to cooperate with Europe to resolve the conflict.

Answering a question about security guarantees for Ukraine after a possible agreement, the chancellor said the priority remains strengthening the Ukrainian army: "We need to ensure its ability to defend the country in the long term."

With regard to Germany's possible participation in a peacekeeping mission, Merz noted that any deployment of troops requires the approval of the Bundestag, but did not specify whether he supports the move.

Merz also linked the cohorts "If we had not changed the constitution and allowed Germany to spend 3.5 percent on defense plus 1.5 percent on infrastructure, NATO would probably have disintegrated in June," he said, recalling that the issue was discussed at the alliance's summit in The Hague.