German Chancellor Friedrich Merz states that Europe is neither at war nor at peace with Russia, highlighting the current challenges to democracy: "Allow me to say it in a sentence that may seem a bit shocking at first glance… we are not at war, but we are no longer at peace."

Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, stated that Europe is neither at war nor at peace with Russia, emphasizing that Russian aggression poses a threat to democracy and freedom. He supported an EU plan to unblock frozen Russian assets to militarily support Ukraine. Merz warned that the international order based on rules is being replaced by brute force, and the European Union must unite against these challenges. This vision is also supported by European leaders, who emphasize the importance of multilateralism.