German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged Germany's unconditional solidarity with Ukraine just days before the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion. Speaking at the "Café Kyiv" event organized by German-Ukrainian organizations and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Berlin on Monday, Merz addressed Ukrainian participants with a strong message of support rooted in historical responsibility.
Merz emphasized that Germany's support stems particularly from the country's own historical experience. "We stand today so clearly, so firmly and so unshakably at your side," Merz said, addressing the Ukrainian attendees at the Berlin event. He explained that this commitment derives specifically from Germany's understanding of its historical legacy.
Germany stands at Ukraine's side "precisely because we know that the territory of Ukraine, that the people who lived there, suffered most among all under the atrocities of the Second World War," Merz continued. This historical context, he argued, creates a special obligation for Germany to support Ukraine in its current struggle.
The Chancellor framed Ukraine's resistance in broader terms beyond territorial defense. Ukraine has been defending "more than just its own territory" since the Russian attack four years ago, Merz stated. The Ukrainian people are defending "their freedom and thereby they are defending our freedom," he told the audience at the discussion forum. This characterization positions the conflict as relevant not only to Ukraine but to the security and freedom of all European nations. Merz's comments suggest Germany views Ukraine's defense as integral to broader European security interests.
Merz delivered harsh criticism of Russia and Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin during his remarks. "This country currently finds itself under this leadership at the lowest point of the deepest barbarism and no one should have any doubt about what regime, what barbarism we are dealing with from Russia in these years," Merz said at the discussion forum.
The Chancellor used unusually strong language to characterize the current Russian government, directly labeling its actions as barbaric and warning against any misunderstanding of the nature of the regime Germany and Europe face.
Merz directed part of his speech specifically toward critics within Germany who question continued support for Ukraine. He said he wanted to address himself particularly to those in Germany "who still refuse reality." The Chancellor challenged assumptions that ending support for Ukraine would end the conflict.
"Putin will not end his campaign even if Ukraine gives up and capitulates," Merz stated. This assertion directly contradicts arguments made by some German politicians and citizens who suggest that reducing support for Ukraine or encouraging Ukrainian concessions would bring peace.
The Chancellor emphasized that the goal must be to dry up Moscow's war financing and mentioned the upcoming 20th EU sanctions package. "I therefore appeal once again from this point also to our European partners: Do not slacken in your support, in our joint support for Ukraine," Merz said. His appeal comes at a critical moment for European unity on Ukraine policy. The Chancellor's emphasis on maintaining sanctions pressure suggests concerns about weakening European resolve as the war approaches its fourth year.
The European Commission proposed a 20th sanctions package against Russia at the beginning of February, which includes among other measures a "comprehensive ban on maritime services" for tankers carrying Russian crude oil. The goal was to adopt the package in time for the fourth anniversary of the invasion.
However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced his veto against the new sanctions on Sunday, conditional on Ukraine not enabling the resumption of Russian oil deliveries through a pipeline running through Ukraine. This development threatens to derail the planned sanctions package ahead of the symbolic anniversary date.
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