Friedrich Merz Sworn In as German Chancellor: His Key Statements on Ukraine
Newly sworn-in German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reaffirmed Germany’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine, placing support for Kyiv at the core of his foreign policy agenda, The Gaze reports.
The oath-taking ceremony took place in the Bundestag, formalizing Merz’s leadership after his party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), secured victory in early elections.
“No ifs or buts” on Ukraine Support
Addressing domestic criticism regarding continued arms deliveries to Ukraine, Merz declared:
“There are no ifs or buts” about Germany’s ongoing support. He characterized Vladimir Putin’s war as “a battle against the entire political order of the European continent.”
What Should Ukraine’s Victory Look Like?
Merz emphasized that the only acceptable outcome is Ukraine’s full territorial and political restoration:
“Victory means the restoration of territorial integrity with a democratically legitimate government exercising its own state sovereignty.”
He reiterated Ukraine’s sovereign right to choose its own alliances:
“Ukraine has the right to freely choose its political and military alliances.”
No Peace Imposed by Force
Merz firmly rejected any negotiated peace that would legitimize territorial gains made through military aggression:
“This is incompatible with the dictate of peace or subordination by military means – especially against the will of Ukraine itself.”
Taurus Missiles: Coordination First, Then Action
On the controversial question of sending Taurus long-range cruise missiles, Merz said Ukraine must be able to “get ahead of the situation.”
However, he stressed that Germany would only proceed in close coordination with its European allies:
“That has to be coordinated. And if it is agreed, then Germany should participate.”
He acknowledged that Germany’s allies – such as the UK and France – are already supplying Ukraine with Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles, while noting that the Taurus system offers greater range and precision.
He even suggested that it could be used to strike critical infrastructure like the Kerch Bridge, a vital Russian supply route to occupied Crimea.
Firm Line Against Putin
Merz uttered a strong message, warning that attempts to appease the Kremlin would backfire:
“Putin would not react positively to weakness and peace offers.”
Merz Aligns with Scholz on Peacekeeping Troops
Commenting on the idea of sending German troops as part of a future peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, Merz took a cautious line, echoing the current government’s position:
“I see this the same way as the Chancellor (Olaf Scholz): this is not an issue that’s even on the table today.”
Read more on The Gaze: Military Analyst Explains How Taurus Missiles Could Help Ukraine in the War