German Chancellor Merz evaluated the efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine War in Singapore, the first stop of his one-week official visit, which included Singapore, Japan and South Korea. Merz answered the question about the possibility that US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin may meet to discuss the Russia-Ukraine War within the scope of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit to be held in China on November 18-19, at an event he attended at the Yusuf Ishak Institute.
Warning the USA, Russia and China, Merz said, “The USA-Russia-China can negotiate, but they can never find a solution without Ukraine. Therefore, a format in which the Europeans and Ukraine are at the table is needed. No decision can be made with Ukraine without the Europeans.”
“Ukraine is part of Europe. It belongs to the European Union. It is in Europe’s interest to defend Ukraine. When it comes to a ceasefire or security guarantees after the end of this war, the Europeans will also be involved. Whether they like it or not, they will take part in creating security guarantees,” Merz said.
Merz said, “But ultimately, the end of this war depends entirely on Russian President Vladimir Putin. As long as Russia refuses to end this war, we will support Ukraine. Because we defend the entire political order of the European continent. That is why we are so determined.”
Merz stated that Russia’s attack on Ukraine affected not only Europe but also the Indo-Pacific region, and stated that imperialist revisionism would not work. Merz said Europe is looking for ways to establish relations with Russia. “We are on the threshold of a new geopolitical era,” said Merz, adding, “This period will be characterized by new dynamics between great powers and breathtaking technological revolutions that extend far beyond artificial intelligence. These dynamics will pose challenges not only for Germany and those in Europe, but also for all central powers, including those in Asia. Our freedom, sovereignty, security and prosperity are at stake.”
Merz added that Germany and Singapore want to expand strategic partnerships by focusing on defence, trade and investment, artificial intelligence and green energy.
