Germany's Merz warns Ukraine war entering most decisive period ahead

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday pledged to continue military support for Ukraine, warning that the war is likely entering its most decisive weeks or months ahead.

Speaking at a news conference in Finland after a high-level European Arctic summit, Merz said Russia is not only waging war against Ukraine but also targeting European countries with hybrid attacks and influence operations.

“Most likely we are seeing the most decisive moments, perhaps weeks or months, ahead of us in defending the freedom and peace of our continent,” Merz told reporters when asked whether European governments can continue support for Kyiv as parties opposed to aid gain ground.

He said he is aware of the arguments against continued assistance, noting that the debate is not limited to Germany but is also unfolding across the European Union. However, he insisted that the support is necessary not only for Ukraine but for Europe’s own security, and that governments must hold firm until the war is over.

“I will do everything what I can to keep up our support and to get people convinced that this is in our own interest to do that,” Merz said.

“If Russia succeeds, this will have unpredicted and unprecedented consequences for all of us, including Germany,” he continued. “And that's the reason why I'm standing here very firm, very clear, and not willing to go back one centimeter.”

“This is now our historic duty to do what we can to help this country to preserve peace and freedom in Europe,” he added.

Opposition to sending weapons to Ukraine and providing large-scale financial aid has intensified in several European countries in recent months. In Germany, the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD), which rejects arms deliveries and major funding for Kyiv, scored a record result in the Sept. 6 Saxony-Anhalt state elections, winning 43.8% of the vote.

Similar anti-aid sentiments have also gained ground in mainstream political debates in France, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.

Germany has been among Ukraine’s largest military supporters in Europe since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022.