Merz: Ukraine's capitulation would mean the capitulation of us all

Germany's security depends on Kyiv's resilience

German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasised that Ukraine's capitulation is unacceptable, as it would mean the capitulation of all its European partners. According to him, supporting Kyiv aligns with Berlin's national interests and is aimed at ending Russia's war of aggression as soon as possible.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Berlin Global Dialogue conference in Berlin, Merz explained his position:

«Ми підтримуємо Україну не для того, щоб продовжувати цю війну. Ми робимо це, щоб якнайшвидше її завершити. Але капітуляція або навіть безумовна капітуляція України – не варіант, адже це означало б капітуляцію всіх нас» (We are supporting Ukraine not to prolong this war. We are doing it to end it as soon as possible. But the capitulation or even unconditional capitulation of Ukraine is not an option, as that would mean the capitulation of us all), the chancellor emphasised.

He added that this is precisely why Germany continues to provide Ukraine with significant assistance, viewing this issue as a component of its own security.

«Саме тому я так рішуче підтримую Україну. Це відповідає нашим власним інтересам. Це цілком відповідає нашим власним інтересам» (That is exactly why I so resolutely support Ukraine. This is in our own interests. This is entirely in our own interests), Merz stated.

Progress in diplomatic negotiations

The chancellor also commented on current diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war. In particular, he mentioned the talks that took place the previous day in Oslo, involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US representatives, and European states.

«Учора ввечері в Осло відбулася зустріч із Зеленським, із нашими представниками від Європи, і ми досягли певного прогресу в цьому обговоренні. Ми завжди готові до переговорів» (Yesterday evening in Oslo, there was a meeting with Zelenskyy, with our representatives from Europe, and we achieved some progress in this discussion. We are always ready for negotiations), the head of the German government noted.

Threat to the European order

Merz emphasised that Russian aggression goes far beyond the military conflict in Ukraine. According to him, it is directed against the political order established in Europe after the end of the Cold War.

«Це не просто війна в Україні. Це фундаментальна атака проти всього політичного порядку, якого ми досягли після 1990 року» (This is not just a war in Ukraine. It is a fundamental attack against the entire political order that we achieved after 1990), the chancellor underlined.

During his speech, Merz also stated that Russia threatens the freedom and security of the entire European continent. He reminded that hybrid attacks, including sabotage, cyberattacks, the use of drones, and disinformation, continue to pose threats to the security and well-being of European countries.