Germany’s Friedrich Merz: Russia Will Not Win War in Ukraine
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on September 29, 2026, that European support for Ukraine can continue for a long time if Russia remains unwilling to negotiate an end...
- Merz pointed to a meeting in New York City over the weekend between German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, as evidence of Moscow's...
- The German chancellor committed to maintaining military, economic, political, and financial backing for Kyiv.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on September 29, 2026, that European support for Ukraine can continue for a long time if Russia remains unwilling to negotiate an end to the war. Speaking in Berlin alongside Kazakh President Kasim-Yomart Tokayev, Merz warned that Moscow will not win the conflict and will instead suffer massive economic damage.
Berlin Rejects Russian Stance Following Diplomatic Talks
Merz pointed to a meeting in New York City over the weekend between German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, as evidence of Moscow’s intransigence. According to the German leader, the Kremlin showed no interest in serious diplomatic engagement during those discussions, leaving Berlin with little option beyond urging the Russian government to join negotiations. “If Russia is not willing, we are in a position to support Ukraine for a long time,” Merz said during the press conference reported by outlets including Deutsche Welle. “Rusia no ganará esta guerra y sufrirá daños masivos en su economía. Rusia pagará el precio si continúa con esta guerra,” he warned, according to the official transcripts.
Military Aid and Air Defense Gaps Highlighted in Berlin
The German chancellor committed to maintaining military, economic, political, and financial backing for Kyiv. Merz identified the lack of adequate air defenses as Ukraine’s most critical vulnerability heading into colder months. He is actively pressing other heads of state and government to supply help in this sense necessary to protect critical infrastructure against anticipated Russian winter bombardments. While Germany pledges prolonged material assistance, President Tokayev offered a diplomatic proposal during the bilateral summit. Tokayev advocated for freezing hostilities along current front lines to open a path toward diplomacy and negotiations. The Kazakh leader emphasized that his country supports the United Nations Charter and the territorial inviolability of all nations, while maintaining friendly relations with both Moscow and Kyiv.