German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has delivered a strong message regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine: peace cannot be achieved at the cost of the country’s integrity. In a forthright interview with German public broadcaster ZDF, Merz acknowledged the grim reality that the war could endure but affirmed Germany's unwavering support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.

 

Merz made it clear that, while he harbours hope for a resolution, illusions should not overshadow the harsh truths. When asked about the potential for a ceasefire within the year, he insisted that the priority is to back Ukraine in defending its sovereignty. "Ending the war quickly is desirable, but not at the price of Ukraine's capitulation," he emphasised. The chancellor pointedly noted, “You could end the war tomorrow if Ukraine surrendered and lost its independence.”

 

Merz emphasised the wider ramifications and sternly warned that compromising Ukraine would set a dangerous precedent. “Then the next country would be at risk the day after tomorrow. And the day after that, it would be us. That is not an option,” he remarked, underscoring the potential threat to European stability.

 

Germany has taken a decisive stance as a primary ally of Ukraine, demonstrating significant military and logistical support. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Germany has pledged or delivered military aid totalling around 1.5 trillion Thai baht. This substantial backing reflects Berlin’s robust commitment to supporting Ukraine and upholding democratic values across Europe.

 

Chancellor Merz’s comments come at a time when global focus remains fixated on the conflict and its far-reaching consequences. As peace talks continue to simmer on the backburner without visible progress, Germany's position sends a clear signal: unity and resistance are paramount.

 

The German government, along with its international partners, continues to explore diplomatic avenues while reinforcing Ukraine’s defence capabilities. The ongoing dialogue underscores a unified approach to counter Russian expansionism and safeguard European allies.

 

Thus, Merkel’s resolute declarations today reaffirm Germany’s commitment not only to Ukraine but also to maintaining peace and security across Europe. 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from ABC News 2025-09-01

 

OK, Mr. Putin. Let’s say all agree to a Swiss neutrality for Ukraine. And you give back all Ukraine territory unilaterally seized. I would go a bit further. A long term contract for a Russian Naval Base in Crimea (not the whole peninsula) in exchange for energy supplies. And a mutually agreed to neutrality agreement between Ukraine, Russia and the EU.

On 9/1/2025 at 7:14 AM, webfact said:

upholding democratic values across Europe.

Joking , right ?

 

Trying to ban your opposition is democratic ?

Nullify elections (Romania) , is upholding democratic values across Europe ?

Trying to overthrow Orban , upholding democratic values across Europe ?

Germany is apparently willing to fight to the last dead Ukrainian.  Just enough German support to keep the war going...

 

It's time for the killing to stop and the rebuilding to start.  Long past time.

Russia's economy will not outlast the resolve of Ukraine's allies if the war dragged on. Russia will not gain more territories and the air defence system of Ukraine is improving. Russia will evenually decapitulate with either an internal coup or assassination of Putin. The tolerance level of the citizens and the oligarch are reaching a breaking point. Ukraine has to stand resolute and discipline to win this war. 

 

 

44 minutes ago, impulse said:

Germany is apparently willing to fight to the last dead Ukrainian.  Just enough German support to keep the war going...

 

It's time for the killing to stop and the rebuilding to start.  Long past time.

Easy for you to say, but something lacking here isn't there? Like how?

6 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Russia's economy will not outlast the resolve of Ukraine's allies if the war dragged on. Russia will not gain more territories and the air defence system of Ukraine is improving. Russia will evenually decapitulate with either an internal coup or assassination of Putin. The tolerance level of the citizens and the oligarch are reaching a breaking point. Ukraine has to stand resolute and discipline to win this war. 

 

 

Ukraine sure would have been in a better position if we had elected a true patriot as president not a clown cartoon president.heres a thought Russia you return to your own country deal with the person who is holding you back from reaching your potential.then rejoin the world and contribute as you should.salva Ukraine!!

17 minutes ago, Tug said:

Ukraine sure would have been in a better position if we had elected a true patriot as president not a clown cartoon president.heres a thought Russia you return to your own country deal with the person who is holding you back from reaching your potential.then rejoin the world and contribute as you should.salva Ukraine!!

 

Sure...  Then the Ukranazis can go back to murdering ethnic Russians like they were doing when Putin attacked on Obama's, then Biden's watches. 

 

Crickets when Trump was in office...  Why do you figure that was?

 

 

1 minute ago, impulse said:

 

Sure...  Then the Ukranazis can go back to murdering ethnic Russians like they were doing when Putin attacked on Obama's, then Biden's watches. 

 

Crickets when Trump was in office...  Why do you figure that was?

 

 

Yes her hitler verbatim the same b$ excuse hitler used when he annexed the Sudetenland……..Putin was hoping trump would win when he didn’t putin launched anyway and with the Ukrainians properly supplied to defend their sovereignty they handed putins ass back to him.now we have trump desperately trying to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory….why do you figure that IS?

19 minutes ago, Tug said:

Ukraine sure would have been in a better position if we had elected a true patriot as president not a clown cartoon president.heres a thought Russia you return to your own country deal with the person who is holding you back from reaching your potential.then rejoin the world and contribute as you should.salva Ukraine!!

USA must make it clear to Russia that the united West will outlast Russia in this war. Instead the useful idiot in the current White House has been weak towards Putin and has never maintain a consistent and sustained position to deal with Putin. Biden is much more resolute and consistent in sending a strong message of Western unity to Putin. 

 

2 minutes ago, Tug said:

now we have trump desperately trying to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory….why do you figure that IS?

 

I'd chalk that up to your vivid imagination.  And your hatred of the Bad Orange Man.  It's certainly not in the history books, unlike the attacks under Obama's and Biden's watches.

4 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

USA must make it clear to Russia that the united West will outlast Russia in this war. Instead the useful idiot in the current White House has been weak towards Putin and has never maintain a consistent and sustained position to deal with Putin. Biden is much more resolute and consistent in sending a strong message of Western unity to Putin. 

 

We dont care about ukraine. We are located on the other side of the world. This war isnt our problem

7 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

USA must make it clear to Russia that the united West will outlast Russia in this war. Instead the useful idiot in the current White House has been weak towards Putin and has never maintain a consistent and sustained position to deal with Putin. Biden is much more resolute and consistent in sending a strong message of Western unity to Putin. 

 

 Yeah, yeah, yeah.  France, in the meantime is telling their hospitals to prepare for mass casualties between now and March, 2026. (Source:  Daily Mail)

 

While Rutte (of NATO) is pointing out that Russia made more ammunition in 3 months than NATO countries make in a year.

 

Are you willing to risk WW3 and nuclear annihilation so the folks in Donbass and Crimea can mail their tax payments west instead of east?  It's not as if there's a genocide going on like there was in the '30s and '40s.

30 minutes ago, Tug said:

Ukraine sure would have been in a better position if we had elected a true patriot as president not a clown cartoon president.heres a thought Russia you return to your own country deal with the person who is holding you back from reaching your potential.then rejoin the world and contribute as you should.salva Ukraine!!

I agree with you. Joe Biden was a poor president. He provided Ukraine with support to survive, but not to win the war.

2 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

I'd chalk that up to your vivid imagination.  And your hatred of the Bad Orange Man.  It's certainly not in the history books, unlike the attacks under Obama's and Biden's watches.

You are correct that I don’t like presidents that betray the oath of office and in my view everything the spirit of America stands for as far as the historical comparison it’s valid almost verbatim.

10 minutes ago, Tug said:

Yes her hitler verbatim the same b$ excuse hitler used when he annexed the Sudetenland……..Putin was hoping trump would win when he didn’t putin launched anyway and with the Ukrainians properly supplied to defend their sovereignty they handed putins ass back to him.now we have trump desperately trying to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory….why do you figure that IS?

Now you're just making it up

11 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

the united West

where is that???

6 minutes ago, impulse said:

It's not as if there's a genocide going on like there was in the '30s and '40s.

Ukrainians are good at that.

4 minutes ago, HK MacPhooey said:

Now you're just making it up

He makes everything up. Its after 11 on the east coast of the usa and hes drunk again.

9 minutes ago, angryguy said:

This war isnt our problem

which war you would describe as your problem?

1 minute ago, Mike_Hunt said:

I agree with you. Joe Biden was a poor president. He provided Ukraine with support to survive, but not to win the war.

Yup that’s true supplied them for defense not offense.he certainly dident try to get them to lie about the Biden’s and withhold allready earmarked supply’s in exchange for lying about a political opponent now ehhhh ?that was impeachment #1 if I recall.naaa old Joe for less than 5% of our defense budget helped a nation fighting a murdering raping looting hoard of animals trying to exterminate them……oh and the money stayed here replenishing stocks ( that were expiring) btw…..so Mike we went from that to a orange painted felon trying to humiliate the leader of Ukraine on the world stage and absolutely just sucking up to putin……poor president you say??

13 minutes ago, HK MacPhooey said:

Now you're just making it up

You need to look that up it’s true

19 minutes ago, angryguy said:

We dont care about ukraine. We are located on the other side of the world. This war isnt our problem

Putin laid that out to Trump and he dutifully obeyed and gets a red carpet welcome. 

17 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

where is that???

Not in Trump's isolated world. 

16 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

which war you would describe as your problem?

WW3

5 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Putin laid that out to Trump and he dutifully obeyed and gets a red carpet welcome. 

Putin completely outplayed the democrats. They have all this land now thanks to the previous administration 

7 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Not in Trump's isolated world. 

His world isnt isolated, hes thinking to the future. Maybe an alliance with Russia. After all, they have more to offer us than Ukraine.

 

 

14 minutes ago, angryguy said:

Putin completely outplayed the democrats. They have all this land now thanks to the previous administration 

Democrats didn't laid out the red carpet with a warm handshake to the number one enemy of USA. 

15 minutes ago, 300sd said:

WW3

I expected an answer by @angryguy. "This war isnt our problem"

Anyway, as far as I know WW3 did not start.

So which war is US's problem?????? (if it is not Ukraine)

 

In other words what Germany is saying is no peace deal because it's convenient for both Trump and Putin, and the deal has to make sense for Ukraine, and Ukraine should not be required to give up massive amounts of territory. All that does is encourage a genocidal maniac dictator.