German Chancellor Friedrich Merz appealed for an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on Tuesday, pressing Moscow during a joint press briefing in Berlin alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to adopt a local ceasefire in Oleshky as a blueprint for broader truces involving energy systems and the Black Sea.
Friedrich Merz Urges Russia to End War
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Russia on Tuesday to end the war, proposing the Oleshky ceasefire model for broader truces.
- NATO allies have committed €70 billion ($78.3 billion) in military assistance for Ukraine for 2026.
- Merz will meet next week with counterparts from France and the United Kingdom to discuss further support before hosting a Coalition of the Willing summit in Berlin.
Merz Proposes Oleshky Ceasefire Model for Black Sea and Energy Truces
Standing alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin, Merz delivered a direct message to Moscow. Our message to Russia is therefore: it is time for an end to this war,
Merz declared during the joint news conference. The regional ceasefire in Oleshky can be a model for a ceasefire for energy and in the Black Sea.
Merz pointed out that Russia has so far refused such steps. He cautioned that its maritime offensives in the Black Sea run the danger of further escalation while threatening to spark a global food emergency that would disproportionately hurt the most vulnerable nations.
Europe Demands Central Role in Peace Architecture and Negotiations
The German chancellor stressed that a new round of peace talks represents the right step forward. He maintained that Europe must and wants to play a decisive role in the process. Any lasting peace settlement—whether it pertains to punitive measures or the security framework—can only be successfully ironed out with European participation, a fact that he pointed out is clear to all parties involved.
Merz stated, It is now up to Russia to show that Russia is ready for serious negotiations.
Until Moscow demonstrates such readiness, Germany and its partners will increase pressure and continue supporting Ukraine with full force.
NATO Allies Commit €70 Billion in 2026 Military Assistance
Addressing defense backing, Merz mentioned that members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization had settled on a €70 billion ($78.3 billion) aid package for Kyiv covering 2026, while emphasizing that every single partner must honor this pledge.
| Support Category | Details & Financial Commitments |
|---|---|
| 2026 NATO Support Package | €70 billion ($78.3 billion) committed by allies for Ukraine |
| Proposed Ceasefire Frameworks | Oleshky regional model applied to energy infrastructure and Black Sea |
| Upcoming Diplomatic Summits | Berlin talks with France and UK leaders, followed by Coalition of the Willing summit |
Supporting Ukraine serves both German and European interests, Merz explained, with all Europeans sharing responsibility rather than Berlin bearing the burden alone. In the coming week, Merz indicated he will hold talks regarding further assistance for Kyiv alongside his counterparts representing France and the United Kingdom.
Berlin Prepares Upcoming Coalition of the Willing Summit
Germany will host a summit of the Coalition of the Willing in Berlin the week after. The gathering will focus on coordinating additional aid.
The summit will also reaffirm readiness to provide security guarantees. These guarantees are set to be backed by a military exercise beginning in the coming days, aligning ongoing diplomatic efforts.
