US EditionGerman Leader Says Peace Cannot Come at Ukraine’s Expense
Chancellor Merz highlights that neither Kyiv nor Moscow shows signs of defeat or economic collapse, with diplomatic efforts ongoing but peace unlikely soon, officials say.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told ZDF on Sunday that he is preparing himself inwardly for the Ukraine war to last a long time, rejecting any peace that sacrifices Ukraine's sovereignty.
- Sustained military backing helps explain Kyiv's continued resistance, with Germany delivering or pledging around 40 billion euros in support since February 2022.
- Residents in Zaporizhzhia stood at the site of an apartment building hit by Russian drone and missile strikes on August 30, 2025, reflecting ongoing conflict and stalled peace efforts.
- Calls for tougher sanctions and deterrence measures include Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron blaming Russian President Vladimir Putin and urging the U.S. to impose tougher sanctions on Moscow, while Britain and France are proposing a 'reassurance force' that has sparked unease in Germany.
- Merz's remarks came as he said he hasn't lost hope but harbors no illusions about a ceasefire this year, stressing support for Ukraine's defense remains an absolute priority.
43 Articles
43 Articles
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: The war in Ukraine will last a long time
The war in Ukraine could drag on for a long time, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sunday, August 31, in an interview with broadcaster ZDF. According to the head of the German government, wars end either with “the military defeat of one side,” which neither Moscow nor Kyiv is close to now, or through “economic and/or military exhaustion,” which he said is also not currently evident. Merz emphasized that Europe and the United States are w…
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the war in Ukraine could still last a long time and that putting an end to it quickly at the expense of the country was not an option.
Associated Press News
German leader says peace cannot come at Ukraine's expense
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says the war in Ukraine could continue for a long time. In an interview with German public broadcaster ZDF, he emphasizes that ending the conflict quickly at Ukraine's expense is not an option.
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- 40% of the sources lean Left
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