The key facts

  • Merz called on Europeans to stand united in supporting Ukraine and pressuring Russia
  • He wants to complete all stages of negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on EU accession by the end of 2026
  • It was previously reported that Merz threatened to block the seven-year EU budget over the issue of aid to Kyiv

Statement by the German Chancellor

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Europeans to stand united in supporting Ukraine, in increasing pressure on Russia, and in peace negotiations. According to the outlet Gazeta.Ru , citing Clash Report, Merz also stated that Europeans should open all clusters on Ukraine's European integration path by the end of 2026.

Content of the statement

“We all know that Russia still only understands the language of force. That is why we Europeans must be united in negotiations, in pressure on Russia, and in long-term support for Ukraine. This also includes a clear prospect of EU membership,” Merz noted. He added that he wants Europeans to “finally be able to complete all stages of the negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova,” and expressed confidence that this can be achieved by the end of the year.

Context: dispute over funding aid to Ukraine

The statement came amid discussions about the future funding of aid to Kyiv. According to Financial Times, on November 9 it became known that Merz threatened to block the next seven-year EU budget if members of the union refuse to provide aid to Ukraine in 2027 and subsequent years. The newspaper Spiegel wrote that the issue of funding Ukraine is the most “explosive” question in Germany. Within the country, the Chancellor's position is criticized by the opposition: the deputy head of the Alternative for Germany faction in the Bundestag Markus Frohnmaier in November called Merz's desire to sponsor Ukraine “madness.” Thus, the Chancellor is issuing a call for unity while the question of long-term aid to Kyiv remains a subject of dispute both in the EU and within German politics.