Merz: “It’s time for this war to end”

Berlin (d.de, dpa) – Against the backdrop of the two-day Berlin Security Conference, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to Berlin and pledged further support in the fight against Russia’s war of aggression. Merz announced an additional €200 million in winter aid. The money is primarily intended for humanitarian assistance and to help secure energy supplies. The Bundestag still has to approve the package.

Ahead of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine scheduled for 10 and 11 November in Abu Dhabi, Merz stressed that Europe must be involved in finding a peaceful solution. “Europe must play a role in this process and wishes to do so,” the Chancellor said. “It’s time for this war to end.”

Merz announced a summit of the “coalition of the willing” in Berlin on 19 November. Together with France and Britain, Germany is looking to coordinate further aid for Ukraine and discuss security guarantees following a possible ceasefire. Merz called on European partners to deliver the military support they had pledged.

Meanwhile, representatives from politics, the military, business and academia are discussing European defence capabilities, NATO’s role and the international security situation at the Berlin Security Conference. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is also among those expected to attend.