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Merz Warns Ukraine War Nears Critical Phase, Vows Continued Support
(MENAFN) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged Monday to maintain Berlin’s military support for Ukraine, warning that the Russia-Ukraine war may be approaching its most decisive phase as European governments face growing domestic opposition to continued assistance for Kyiv.
Speaking at a news conference in Finland following a high-level European Arctic summit, Merz said the coming weeks and months could prove particularly important for the future of the conflict and for Europe’s wider security. He argued that Russia’s actions extend beyond its military campaign in Ukraine, accusing Moscow of also targeting European countries through hybrid attacks and influence operations.
“Most likely we are seeing the most decisive moments, perhaps weeks or months, ahead of us in defending the freedom and peace of our continent,” Merz told reporters when asked whether European governments would be able to sustain their support for Kyiv as opposition to aid increases.
The German chancellor acknowledged that arguments against continued assistance are gaining attention and said the debate is taking place not only in Germany but across the European Union. Despite those concerns, he maintained that supporting Ukraine is directly linked to protecting Europe’s own security and that governments should remain committed to the effort until the war comes to an end.
“I will do everything what I can to keep up our support and to get people convinced that this is in our own interest to do that,” Merz said.
“If Russia succeeds, this will have unpredicted and unprecedented consequences for all of us, including Germany,” he continued. “And that's the reason why I'm standing here very firm, very clear, and not willing to go back one centimeter.”
“This is now our historic duty to do what we can to help this country to preserve peace and freedom in Europe,” he added.
Merz’s remarks come as opposition to weapons deliveries and large-scale financial assistance for Ukraine has become more prominent in several European countries. Political forces questioning continued support have gained ground, putting additional pressure on governments that have backed Kyiv since Russia launched its full-scale war in 2022.
In Germany, the right-wing Alternative for Germany, or AfD, has opposed arms deliveries and major financial assistance to Ukraine. The party recorded its strongest result in the Sept. 6 state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, securing 43.8% of the vote and demonstrating the growing strength of opposition to Berlin’s Ukraine policy.
Similar debates over military and financial support for Kyiv have intensified in France, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary, where anti-aid positions have become increasingly visible in national political discussions.
Germany has remained one of Ukraine’s largest military supporters in Europe since the conflict began in 2022. Merz’s latest comments indicate that Berlin intends to maintain that position despite mounting political pressure, while emphasizing that the outcome of the war could have consequences extending well beyond Ukraine’s borders.
Speaking at a news conference in Finland following a high-level European Arctic summit, Merz said the coming weeks and months could prove particularly important for the future of the conflict and for Europe’s wider security. He argued that Russia’s actions extend beyond its military campaign in Ukraine, accusing Moscow of also targeting European countries through hybrid attacks and influence operations.
“Most likely we are seeing the most decisive moments, perhaps weeks or months, ahead of us in defending the freedom and peace of our continent,” Merz told reporters when asked whether European governments would be able to sustain their support for Kyiv as opposition to aid increases.
The German chancellor acknowledged that arguments against continued assistance are gaining attention and said the debate is taking place not only in Germany but across the European Union. Despite those concerns, he maintained that supporting Ukraine is directly linked to protecting Europe’s own security and that governments should remain committed to the effort until the war comes to an end.
“I will do everything what I can to keep up our support and to get people convinced that this is in our own interest to do that,” Merz said.
“If Russia succeeds, this will have unpredicted and unprecedented consequences for all of us, including Germany,” he continued. “And that's the reason why I'm standing here very firm, very clear, and not willing to go back one centimeter.”
“This is now our historic duty to do what we can to help this country to preserve peace and freedom in Europe,” he added.
Merz’s remarks come as opposition to weapons deliveries and large-scale financial assistance for Ukraine has become more prominent in several European countries. Political forces questioning continued support have gained ground, putting additional pressure on governments that have backed Kyiv since Russia launched its full-scale war in 2022.
In Germany, the right-wing Alternative for Germany, or AfD, has opposed arms deliveries and major financial assistance to Ukraine. The party recorded its strongest result in the Sept. 6 state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, securing 43.8% of the vote and demonstrating the growing strength of opposition to Berlin’s Ukraine policy.
Similar debates over military and financial support for Kyiv have intensified in France, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary, where anti-aid positions have become increasingly visible in national political discussions.
Germany has remained one of Ukraine’s largest military supporters in Europe since the conflict began in 2022. Merz’s latest comments indicate that Berlin intends to maintain that position despite mounting political pressure, while emphasizing that the outcome of the war could have consequences extending well beyond Ukraine’s borders.
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