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Allowing Russia to Set Terms for Peace Will Only Encourage Further Aggression, Merz Warns
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![Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk]( "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Europe not to allow Russia to dictate the terms of peace in the war against Ukraine, warning that doing so would embolden Russian leader Vladimir Putin to “seek new targets”, DW reported on September 17.
Speaking in the Bundestag, Merz emphasized that any peace agreement imposed by Russia, which disregards Ukraine’s political sovereignty and territorial integrity, would only encourage further aggression from Moscow.
Merz also expressed concerns about Putin’s broader strategy to destabilize European societies. He noted that Russia’s recent actions, including drone attacks that breached Polish airspace, were clear signs of Putin’s ongoing efforts to undermine security and stability in Europe.
“Russia wants to subtly destabilize our free societies,” Merz said, stressing the need for Germany to strengthen its resilience and defense capabilities in response.
“We must deter our opponents from further aggression while bringing allies and partners closer together,” he continued.
Previously, Germany had rejected Moscow’s claims that Russian drones, which breached Polish airspace overnight, were the result of a “navigation error,” warning that Berlin and its allies will deliver a tough response to what it views as a deliberate escalation.
NATO had previously launched a new mission under the name Eastern Sentry to reinforce its eastern flank, with Secretary General Mark Rutte presenting the plan at a joint press conference in Brussels alongside Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Alexus Grynkewich.
