Economic exhaustion or military defeat: Merz’s forecast for the war in Ukraine
Фото: DPA
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz believes that a quick end to the war through negotiations can hardly be expected.
He stated this in a comment for the newspapers Neue Berliner Redaktionsgesellschaft (NBR) and “Rheinpfalz”, Spiegel reports.
“In my opinion, this war will only end when one of the sides is exhausted — either militarily or economically,” Merz said.
Regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin, Merz noted: “Reasonable arguments and humanitarian considerations will not convince Putin. This is the bitter truth.” Therefore, the goal of European efforts is “to ensure that the Russian state can no longer wage war militarily and finance it economically.”
The Chancellor added that it is “almost impossible” to expect normal relations with Putin in the future. “When I look at this regime and its blind, brutal terror, I have little hope,” Merz concluded.
He also believes that “the Russian ruling elite will not be able to abandon the war anytime soon.” It is forced to support the military machine because it does not know what to do with hundreds of thousands of soldiers, some of whom are seriously injured and returning from the front.
Merz quoted the American-French historian Astolfo de Custin, who in the 19th century, after extensive travels in Russia, said: “Today, Russia is the most amazing country for the observer, because it combines profound barbarity and the highest civilization.”
Merz emphasized that this assessment remains relevant: “We now see the country in a state of deep barbarism. This will not change in the near future, and we will have to come to terms with this.”
Recall, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that young Ukrainians should serve in the army, and not go to European countries . He said this after a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris on January 6.
As reported, Germany is likely considering the option of deporting Ukrainian men from the country when their temporary protection status expires.
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