Merz: If Germany falters, then Ukraine falters

Speech at the Peace Prize

Merz: If Germany falters, then Ukraine falters

Germany is Ukraine’s most important supporter. However, acceptance of billions in aid is decreasing. The Chancellor is setting an example in a keynote speech. It’s also about the AfD.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz In a keynote speech on foreign policy, he spoke urgently about declining aid for the country’s defensive struggle Ukraine against Russia warned. “If we falter in Germany, then Europe falters. If Europe falters, then Ukraine falters too,” he warned at the award ceremony for the Westphalian Peace Prize NATO in Muenster.

He specifically warned of a Russian attack on Germany and NATO if Ukraine falls: “If it doesn’t work, Moscow To put a stop to it, then sooner or later the Russian war machine will turn against us, against NATO itself. We must not close our eyes to this danger.”

Without German help, the war against Ukraine would result in a “dictated peace,” emphasized Merz. Then there was the threat of mass migration to the west and the destabilization of the Ukrainian state.

Germany is now Ukraine’s most important supporter financially and militarily. But there is growing resistance to the billions in aid. The AfD is campaigning on the topic. Merz addressed this directly in his speech and spoke of “slogans from the AfD and its Russian backers.” He was reacting to the fact that in Ukraine the AfD’s electoral successes in the state elections in September are being followed with concern.

Merz promised the Ukrainians that Germany would not allow itself to be divided. But he admitted that this is becoming increasingly difficult in a public that is increasingly characterized by polarization, arguments and anger. Merz told critics of Ukraine aid that the support was not an end in itself. “We do it above all else to protect the freedom and security of the people in our country.”

Merz emphasized that Germany will not allow itself to be dissuaded from helping by increasing hybrid attacks. He referred to the drone attack on Leipzig Airport in summer. This “dangerous escalation” is primarily an expression of “growing Russian helplessness” in the face of unsuccessful warfare in Ukraine. “We are preparing for further hybrid attacks, including serious ones. If they came, we would be like Leipzig answer quickly and very clearly,” said Merz.

On the conversation between Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in new York Last weekend the Chancellor only spoke briefly. It is another example of diplomatic efforts in Moscow falling on deaf ears. Russia only understands the “language of strength” and must be brought to the negotiating table in this way. “Unity and strength are still conditions for success in negotiations with Moscow today.”

The Peace Prize is awarded every two years by the Economic Society for Westphalia and Lippe (WWL). It commemorates the Peace of Westphalia of 1648, which was signed in the town halls of Münster and Osnabruck was closed. It ended the Thirty Years’ War and is seen as a contribution to the European peace order among equal states.