German Chancellor Friedrich Merz anticipates a long-lasting war in Ukraine, with no signs of a breakthrough for either side.

Merz stated that the war in Ukraine will continue, considering that no military defeat or economic exhaustion is expected for Kiev or Moscow. His comments come ahead of the deadline set by Trump for a meeting between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, mentioning that sanctions against Russia should be tougher. Merz emphasized that Ukraine's capitulation cannot be accepted, as it could lead to aggression against other European countries. He also refrained from commenting on the deployment of German troops in Ukraine.