Merz: No illusions about the swift end of the Russian war in Ukraine

(Patria) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated yesterday that he has no illusions about the swift end of the Russian war in Ukraine.

- We may have to prepare for it to last longer - Merz said after talks with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in the southwestern Finnish city of Turku.

Throughout history, Merz says, conflicts have usually ended when one or both sides reached exhaustion, either militarily or economically.

- We are clearly still far from that in this war - says Merz.

The German Chancellor, who took office earlier this month, insists on continuing support for Ukraine.

- The war is not just about Ukraine's territorial integrity. The political order that we established together with Russia after 1990 is being called into question. We are threatened and we are defending ourselves against it - Merz points out.

He emphasizes that the joint efforts of the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States over the past three weeks to pressure Russia to agree to a ceasefire have not been successful.

- However, from the beginning, I had no illusions that this would happen very quickly. Russia currently has no interest in a ceasefire.

- Consequently, this means that Ukraine must continue to defend itself and that we must intensify our efforts so that Ukraine can defend itself - added the German Chancellor.