Europe must not be treated as ‘pawn’ in Ukraine talks, warns Germany’s Merz

Addressing lawmakers in Germany's parliament, Merz said Europeans want to see an end to the war in Ukraine as soon as possible. However, he emphasized that any agreement negotiated between "great powers" without Ukraine's consent – and without European consent – will not provide a basis for lasting peace.

“At this fateful moment for Ukraine, for Europe, and for our alliance with the US, I also want to make it clear: European affairs can only be decided in agreement with Europe,” Merz said.

“Europe is not a pawn, but a sovereign actor pursuing its own interests and values. And in all these developments, we must not lose sight of this: this war could end tomorrow if Russia ceases its illegal war, withdraws its troops from foreign territory.”

The Conservative leader welcomed changes made to US President Donald Trump's initial 28-point plan following talks between US, Ukrainian, and European delegations in Geneva on Sunday.

“Unity is now crucial—unity in Europe, unity with Ukraine, and unity in the transatlantic alliance," Merz said, adding that Western countries should further increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and force the Kremlin to the negotiating table.

“We will support the Ukrainian people for as long as necessary. And we intend to make the frozen Russian assets available precisely for this purpose. Putin must realize that he has no chance of winning this war,” he said, referring to European plans to provide Ukraine with a €140 billion ($162 billion) loan backed by immobilized Russian central bank assets held in Belgium.