Overview

• Merz said allies are not discussing sending ground forces to Ukraine and any German deployment would require Bundestag approval.
• He set the “absolute priority” of strengthening Ukraine’s army for long-term defense, with security guarantees to be considered after a truce.
• The chancellor described intensive diplomacy with European leaders and the United States but expressed doubt that a ceasefire is close.
• He argued that loosening Germany’s debt brake to fund higher defense outlays helped prevent a rupture in NATO.
• Germany has provided or pledged more than €40 billion in military aid since 2022, even as Bundeswehr troop levels stagnate near 182,000 due to recruiting and training gaps.