Dialogos

German Chancellor Doesn't Foresee Swift End to Ukraine War

Published February 19, 2026, 14:02
German Chancellor Doesn't Foresee Swift End to Ukraine War

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed the opinion that the war in Ukraine is unlikely to end soon. He believes it will only end when one of the two sides is exhausted either militarily or economically. He believes that logic and humanitarian arguments will not convince Putin, and therefore the goal of European efforts should be to make it impossible for Russia to continue the war. Merz also expressed doubts about the possibility of restoring normal relations with the President of Russia in the future, due to the violence exercised by his regime. These statements underscore Germany's pessimistic view of the prospect of peace in Ukraine and the need for continued support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia.