German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European intelligence chiefs believe a swift end to Russia’s war against Ukraine through negotiations is unlikely. Despite recent trilateral meetings in Geneva, Russia continues to demonstrate a total lack of genuine will for a just peace.
The German publication Spiegel reported this news, citing statements by the head of the German government. Friedrich Merz emphasized that the war will only end when one side completely exhausts its military or economic resources.
“Reasonable and humanitarian arguments will not convince Putin. This is the bitter truth,” Merz said.
He explained that the Russian ruling elite must keep the war machine running because it lacks a plan for the hundreds of thousands of returning soldiers. Furthermore, Merz referenced historian Astolphe de Custine, noting that modern Russia exists in a state of “deepest barbarism.”
The View from European Intelligence
Intelligence chiefs from five European agencies shared similar skepticism in comments to Reuters. They believe Moscow uses negotiations with the United States primarily as a tool to push for sanctions relief. These officials described the Geneva diplomatic meetings as “negotiation theater.” The Kremlin’s strategic goals have not changed since the full-scale invasion began. Russia still aims to remove Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and transform Ukraine into a neutral buffer zone for the West.
Experts point out that the Russian economy is currently not on the brink of collapse. Therefore, the Kremlin feels no immediate pressure to secure a peace deal. Meanwhile, the White House aims to clinch a peace agreement by June 2026. This creates a visible gap in perspectives between the United States and its European allies. During the latest Geneva talks, participants only resolved issues regarding ceasefire monitoring. The most critical military and political blocs remain completely unresolved.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that Russia must make significant concessions according to an EU document outlining peace conditions.
