As Germany’s Far Right Rises, Weakened Merz Looks to Project Strength Against Putin
Merz said continued aid is needed to prevent a Russia-dictated peace and to keep Ukraine and Europe secure, as NATO allies back Kyiv.
- On Thursday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned at the Westphalian Peace Prize ceremony that weakening commitment to Ukraine could trigger consequences across Europe, stating, "The security of Europe... is at stake in Ukraine."
- Merz argued that "Russia's violent, expansionist revisionism" threatens the continent, warning that a peace "dictated" by Moscow would spark mass migration toward the West, rendering Europe insecure.
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed this urgency, urging members to accelerate defense investment and warning that "Russia's military-industrial base would not weaken quickly," as he stated, "Ukraine's fight is our fight."
- Merz denounced "slogans of the AfD," which seeks to halt support for Ukraine and restore dialogue with Russia, emphasizing the need for domestic unity against hybrid attacks.
- Germany is applying battlefield lessons to develop new air-defense systems, with officials stressing that "increased defence production is not about warmongering" but ensuring safety for European citizens.
31 Articles
31 Articles
According to Friedrich Merz, weakening support for Ukraine would put all of Europe at risk, and Russia could later turn against NATO.
Friedrich Merz, in his speech on the Peace Prize, becomes fundamental – especially towards Russia. Why right now? And: How an execution in the USA could fail
From the NATO podium, the German Chancellor stressed that unity and strength remain the necessary conditions for constructive negotiations with Moscow - Let's keep the US on our side, he said characteristically
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that if attempts to contain Moscow failed, a Russian war machine could turn against NATO, and he promised to continue supporting Ukraine despite the increasing popularity of the AfD party.
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- 40% of the sources lean Left
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