Merz rejects Ukrainian capitulation and says Europe remains ready for talks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Ukraine's capitulation was unacceptable because it would also mean defeat for its allies. He said Berlin supported Kyiv to help end the war rather than prolong it.

Speaking at an economic forum in Berlin, Merz said Germany and other European countries were ready for negotiations at any time. He nevertheless ruled out Ukraine's unconditional capitulation as an acceptable outcome.

His remarks came amid debate over Europe's role in a settlement. The previous day, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused American negotiators in the European Parliament of trying to push Kyiv into capitulation and called for European participation in talks.

Merz confirmed that Germany would continue supporting Ukraine because it considered doing so to be in its own interests.