German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said at a joint press conference following the High-Level European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi that the outcome of the war in Ukraine would be directly decisive for Europe’s security and freedom.
Merz said that if Russia succeeded, European countries, including Germany, would face unprecedented and unpredictable consequences. He added that he would not abandon his firm and clear position for this reason.
Calls for continued support for Ukraine
Merz described providing Ukraine with all possible support to preserve peace and freedom in Europe as a “historic duty.” He argued that this support serves not only Kyiv’s interests but also Europe’s security interests.
The German chancellor said Russia was not limiting its war to Ukraine, adding that Moscow was carrying out hybrid attacks and influence operations against European countries.
Warning of critical weeks and months ahead for Europe
Responding to a question about growing opposition to support for Ukraine in European countries, Merz said the war had entered a critical phase.
Merz said the most decisive moments for Europe’s freedom and peace would probably come in the coming weeks or months. He added that criticism of continued military and financial aid to Ukraine was being debated across the European Union, as it was in Germany.
The German chancellor stressed that European governments must remain determined until the war ends. Merz said he would do everything in his power to explain that continuing the support was in Europe’s own interest.