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06/11/2026 June 11, 2026 Germany's Merz pledges continued support for Ukraine Merz addresses the Bundestag on Wednesday Image: Andreas Gora/picture alliance Chancellor Friedrich Merz has
06/11/2026 June 11, 2026 Germany's Merz pledges continued support for Ukraine Merz addresses the Bundestag on Wednesday Image: Andreas Gora/picture alliance Chancellor Friedrich Merz has told the German lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, that his government will continue supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia. Merz said the goal of Germany and Europe's support for Kyiv is a "just and lasting peace that also takes our security interests into account." The German leader added that Berlin would continue to back Ukraine "for as long as necessary." Merz also said that Germany was "strengthening NATO's eastern flank" to counter Russia's "obvious readiness to escalate," while also remaining engaged in diplomacy to reach a negotiated settlement.
"A sustainable peace can only be achieved through negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, the US and Europe — there is no other way," he said. Ukraine, which "belongs in Europe and would one day be part of the European Union," is defending both its own freedom and that of the whole of the continent, Merz said. Germany and Ukraine agree new strategic partnership To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video During his speech, the center-right politician also attacked the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party for its alleged support for Russia, after some AfD lawmakers visited Russia in recent weeks.
The AfD has long opposed Germany and Europe's staunch backing of Ukraine, calling for an end to weapons deliveries and the lifting of sanctions against Russia.
"You laugh about it, about the fate of millions of people in this country, and travel to Moscow for your champagne receptions. Bon voyage," Merz said.
The BriefWire