German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed serious doubts about Europe's ability to adequately pressure Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. According to him, Europeans are not fulfilling their role on the world stage as needed to protect their interests.
'Europeans are not playing the role in the world that they actually want to play and that they should play to ensure proper protection of their interests.'
Merz himself admitted that Europe relies on American support in its confrontation with Russia. He also emphasized that the international isolation of Russia is complicated by its new ties with other countries such as China, India, and Brazil.
Despite this, Merz noted improvements in European solidarity and support. The Chancellor backed efforts aimed at ensuring security in the region, especially regarding the situation in eastern Ukraine.
Important international meetings regarding the situation in Ukraine are currently taking place in Paris. These negotiations reached an agreement to send a military contingent to support Ukraine on both the maritime and aerial fronts.
In his statement, Chancellor Merz highlighted the challenges Europe faces in the context of the conflict with Russia, but at the same time expressed some hope for an improvement in the situation and for support for Europe towards Ukraine.