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German Chancellor: Russia’s “criminal regime” made diplomacy impossible, threatens entire Europe freedom
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that diplomatic solutions to the Russo-Ukrainian war have reached their limits, while committing to maintain Berlin’s assistance to Ukraine, according to Tagesschau and ZDF heute.
However, Germany recently refused to supply long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, citing concerns over escalation and the risk of direct German involvement in the conflict.
Merz promised continued German support “even against the resistance of the political left and the Russia-friendly right here in the house.”
The Chancellor justified the stance by arguing that traditional diplomatic channels no longer offer viable solutions.
“Diplomatic resources have been exhausted,” he told lawmakers, framing the situation as one where “a criminal regime uses military force to openly challenge the right to exist of an entire country and seeks to destroy the political freedom of the entire European continent.”
On defense spending, Merz framed Germany’s military investment as essential European leadership. “We’re taking on the leadership responsibility that Europe expects from us,” he said. The constitutional amendment enabling increased defense spending wasn’t just about Germany—without it, “NATO would probably have fallen apart in the 70th year of our membership.”
The Chancellor’s remarks come as Germany prepares substantial military assistance for 2025. In June, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced plans for Berlin to provide €9 billion ($10 billion) in military aid to Ukraine next year, with portions allocated specifically for long-range weapons production financing.
However, contradictions have emerged in Germany’s weapons policy. While Pistorius rejected any current consideration of transferring long-range TAURUS cruise missiles to Ukraine, Chancellor Merz had described such weapons deliveries as possible just one month earlier.
