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German Chancellor: Diplomatic Efforts to End Ukraine War Are Exhausted
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![Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk]( "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that diplomatic channels to resolve Russia’s war against Ukraine have been exhausted, signaling a shift toward a more forceful stance as Moscow continues its military escalation.
“Diplomatic means are exhausted,” Merz stated during a budget debate in the Bundestag, as reported by n-tv on June 9.
His remarks came after what Ukrainian officials described as the largest overnight Russian air assault since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The attack reportedly targeted multiple regions across Ukraine and further damaged critical infrastructure.
Merz also condemned the strike and pledged to continue Germany’s support for Ukraine. Since the start of the war, Berlin has been one of Kyiv’s most significant defense partners, providing heavy equipment, advanced air defense systems, and ammunition.
In mid-June, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced plans to allocate an additional €1.9 billion in military aid to Ukraine in 2025. According to the Defense Ministry, the funds are intended to support the development of long-range weapons production. This brings Germany’s total military assistance to Ukraine to approximately €9 billion.
Germany has already delivered several key air defense systems to Ukraine, including multiple IRIS-T batteries and Patriot systems, aimed at helping Ukraine defend its skies amid ongoing missile and drone attacks by Russia.
At the beginning of July, Merz also addressed the possibility of supplying Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles. He noted that this option remains under discussion, but cautioned that integrating the missiles into Ukraine’s military operations would require time and training. He said that servicing the systems would take “at least half a year,” as Ukrainian personnel would need to undergo instruction and preparation.
Taurus missiles, if approved for delivery, would offer Ukraine the capability to strike targets far behind enemy lines, potentially even within Russian territory. While the idea has faced internal political debate in Germany, Merz’s statement left open the possibility of future deployment.
Previously, Germany signed a deal to supply Ukraine with 500 long-range weapons and missiles.
