Merz: 'Diplomacy with Russia currently hopeless' - Germany's Merz rejects Russia talks, calls Ukraine war a threat to Europe
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has ruled out negotiations with Russia for now, calling its past responses to diplomacy ineffective. He described the war in Ukraine as an assault on Europe's political order and accused Vladimir Putin of trying to dismantle democracy there. His stance has hardened since Russia's invasion in February 2022.
Merz rejected calls for renewed diplomatic efforts, arguing that Russia has met past attempts with attacks on civilians and infrastructure. He insisted that any talks would require an immediate end to hostilities. In October 2025, he stressed that Ukraine's military strength was the only path to peace, warning that surrender would embolden Russia to target other nations.
Merz also claimed Putin aims to violently restore the Soviet Union's former borders. He urged Germany to bolster its defences, framing the conflict as a direct threat to European stability.
Meanwhile, Merz joined Hesse's Minister-President Boris Rhein to launch the final phase of the local election campaign. Nearly 4.7 million voters will cast ballots in the municipal elections on March 17.
The chancellor's position leaves no room for negotiations unless Russia halts its offensive. His warnings about broader aggression reflect a shift toward a more confrontational policy. The upcoming elections in Hesse mark the next political test for his government.
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