German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Russia is not ready for serious negotiations to end the war against Ukraine. He added that Moscow will agree to peace only after military and economic exhaustion.
This was reported by Ukrinform, citing Merz’s speech at the opening of the 62nd Munich Security Conference.
Details
Merz emphasized the need for unity among Western partners and continued support for Ukraine to strengthen its position both on the battlefield and in potential negotiations.
He added that Germany has already amended its Constitution and committed to investing 5% of GDP in security, planning to allocate hundreds of billions of euros to defense programs.
The Chancellor also announced large-scale procurements in air defense, precision weapons, and satellite technologies; the revival of the defense industry; and the creation of new jobs. He highlighted military service reform and the strengthening of NATO’s eastern flank, including the permanent deployment of a German brigade in Lithuania.
Merz stressed that Germany and Europe have been playing a key leadership role in supporting Ukraine for the past year: diplomatically, economically, and militarily, inflicting significant losses and costs on Moscow.
He also underscored the importance of European unity and transatlantic cooperation with the US, noting that even the United States cannot act alone in today’s great power politics.
Context
The 62nd Munich Security Conference is taking place on February 13–15, 2026. About 1,000 participants from over 120 countries are attending, including nearly 60 heads of state and government, 56 foreign ministers, and more than 30 defense ministers. The Ukrainian delegation is led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Additionally, the editorial team of The Ukrainian Review is present at the Munich Security Conference and presenting its printed publications.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Ukraine would rather continue the war than agree to an unfair peace deal.
