German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Defends Ukraine Arms Supply Amid Domestic Opposition
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has confirmed that diplomatic options to resolve the Ukraine conflict are exhausted, reaffirming Germany’s role as the second-largest arms supplier to Kiev. Despite domestic opposition from political parties such as the Left and the Alternative for Germany (AfD), Merz emphasized the need to continue arms supply to Ukraine. His remarks came during a speech in the German parliament, where he criticized the AfD’s co-chair for not addressing the latest Russian attack. Merz’s stance has drawn accusations from Russia, with the country’s Deputy Foreign Minister claiming that Merz is attempting to push US President Donald Trump toward an aggressive pro-Ukraine stance. Additionally, the German Defense Ministry had previously pledged €5 billion to finance the production of long-range weapon systems in Ukraine, a move that has been condemned by Russian officials who accuse Germany of escalating the war. The conflict has drawn significant international attention, with multiple countries engaging in discussions about the future of diplomatic relations with both sides. Merz’s approach has made him a prominent figure in the ongoing debate surrounding the conflict and Ukraine’s future.