German Chancellor Merz: The key to ending the war is in Moscow

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene held a joint press conference following their meeting in Berlin. Chancellor Merz began his remarks by stating that his country and Lithuania are not only close partners but also indispensable allies within the European Union. "Our meeting today focused on security policy," Merz said. "Russia's attacks on Ukraine continue with an unchanging and even increasing brutality. Therefore, we will continue our support for Ukraine. Peace in Ukraine must be based on sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law."

Noting that European countries continue their support for Ukraine, Merz said, "However, we also see that all of Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, especially its energy infrastructure, is being ruthlessly bombed. These are war crimes that the Russian side commits every day against Ukraine and its people. For this reason, we are trying to do everything in our power to end this war. My guest, Prime Minister Ruginiene, is at least as skeptical as I am about whether Russia is truly ready for a ceasefire and subsequently a peace agreement. Therefore, we will need to maintain our pressure and continue, or even strengthen, sanctions wherever possible."

"The key to ending the war in Ukraine is in Moscow"

Recalling the ongoing negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, Merz stated, "There are currently ongoing talks between Ukraine and Russia, but also coordinated discussions with the US and Europe. All we can say is that we are doing everything we can to end this war. The key to ending the war—diplomatically, humanely, and militarily—has been in Moscow for four years, and this key must, so to speak, be brought to the door, and Moscow must be ready to end the war. If Moscow is not ready for this, it will have to pay the price for this war economically, and this cost will increase every week, every month; unfortunately, this is the situation we are in today. I cannot change this, although I would very much like to do so."

"There is no need for separate talks with Putin"

Stating that they have detailed information about the negotiations between the US, Russia, and Ukraine, Merz said, "I do not see a need to open additional channels of communication with Moscow at this time. In principle, we are ready for any format of discussion, but we received our answer from Moscow last week. All we can say is that we are doing everything we can to end this war."

Regarding a question about Europe developing its own defense and the military support it will provide to Ukraine, Merz said, "We want to become stronger militarily in Europe. We want to build our own defense capabilities, but we also know that Europe is currently still dependent on the US. Therefore, we want the Americans to be with us regarding security guarantees for Ukraine."

In response to a question about the lack of consensus between his country and France on joint projects regarding Europe's defense and armament efforts, Merz said, "Regarding France's nuclear weapons and aircraft carrier capacity, they have different views from us on technical specifications concerning aircraft construction and aeronautical engineering. We are trying to resolve this and are in intense dialogue with France, and I believe we will reach a joint decision on the nuclear shield in the coming weeks."

Reminding that Germany has committed itself to not possessing nuclear weapons through international agreements that are binding under international law, Merz said, "Secondly, there is the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, to which we are a party. In this respect, possessing nuclear weapons in Germany is not a matter of our discretion or authority. However, this does not mean that we cannot discuss joint nuclear deterrence with other European countries. These discussions are ongoing."

Stating that they also discussed security on NATO's northeastern flank with Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene, Merz said, "During my last visit to Vilnius, I said that Lithuania's security is our security, that protecting Vilnius is protecting Berlin, and this is the case and will remain so."

Recalling that a brigade-level unit of the German army is stationed in Lithuania, Merz said, "We are contributing to Europe's security together. Lithuania is the only place where a major brigade of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) is deployed in a NATO country outside the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany. This brigade is not a political symbol; it is a military contribution to deterrence and defense."

Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene also stated that the strategic partnership between Germany and her country is important not only for preventing Russia's threats against Eastern European countries but also for the security of all of Europe.

News Source: 12punto