“Ukraine’s capitulation is out of the question,” says Merz

Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) once again makes it clear that Ukraine's capitulation is not an option for Germany. With a view to the pressure from the USA on Kiev, Merz said on Wednesday in Berlin that Germany and the Europeans were ready for talks at any time.

“We are not providing support to Ukraine to prolong this war,” he stressed. “But capitulation – or even an unconditional surrender by Ukraine – is out of the question,” said the Chancellor. “Because that would be a surrender from all of us.” Therefore, Ukraine will continue to be supported in its own interest.

The US government of President Donald Trump recently increased the pressure on the government in Kiev. “I believe steps have been taken to persuade Ukraine to surrender,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a recent Bloomberg interview.

Merz doesn’t see a trade war with China – and wants “fair trade”

According to Merz, the greatest threat to Germany currently clearly comes from Russia. “My biggest concern right now is not our economy, not the US or China, but the impact of Russia on our society,” he said. He referred to acts of sabotage and hybrid attacks on communication systems, but also to efforts to destabilize Germany.

“These attacks take place every day,” warned Merz during an appearance at the “Global Dialogue” forum. Their importance is still underestimated in Germany.

Despite planned stronger protective instruments, Merz did not see a “trade war” with Beijing in the EU.

Merz said the EU faces unfair practices. “And we need to talk about that.” But this is not the start of a “trade war” with China. “We are looking for peaceful solutions, but the basic prerequisite for this is fair trade.”

The goal is a “new balance” in trade with China, said Merz. China is of great importance for many companies in Germany. The EU wants to protect its interests. She doesn’t necessarily want to use a “toolbox”. “However, we stand ready to defend ourselves against unfair practices.”

With regard to China, Merz cited overcapacity, high subsidies in the automotive sector and other areas as well as an artificially undervalued currency.