Overview

• Merz said he is preparing for a prolonged conflict and rejected any end that forces Ukraine’s capitulation.
• He set the immediate priority as building Ukraine’s army for long-term defense and said Germany will start that support now.
• He argued that changing Germany’s constitution to loosen the debt brake—enabling 3.5% of GDP for defense plus 1.5% for infrastructure—kept NATO from breaking apart at June’s summit.
• He declined to say whether Germany would send peacekeeping troops under a ceasefire, noting any foreign deployment requires Bundestag approval.
• He voiced doubt that President Donald Trump’s talks with Vladimir Putin will deliver results, as Germany contends with Bundeswehr recruiting and readiness shortfalls near 182,000 troops.