Merz says Ukraine war could drag on; Europe must back Kyiv

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sunday he is mentally preparing for the war in Ukraine to drag on, warning that a quick end achieved at Kyiv's expense would only invite further Russian aggression and stressing that Europe must ensure Moscow cannot sustain the conflict economically or militarily. Merz made the comments in an interview with public broadcaster ZDF and at a regional party event in North Rhine Westphalia as diplomatic efforts to secure a summit between Russian and Ukrainian leaders neared a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Merz said he has "not lost hope" for a ceasefire or peace talks but "harbours no illusions" about Russia's willingness to end the fighting now. "We are trying to end it as quickly as possible. But certainly not at the price of Ukraine's capitulation," he said, adding that if Kyiv surrendered, "the next country would be at risk the day after tomorrow." He urged continued support for Ukraine's armed forces, calling that "the absolute priority," and said Germany would press on with military assistance. Berlin has provided or pledged roughly 40 billion euros, about 47 billion dollars, in military support since the full-scale...