Munich/Berlin, December 14, 2025 – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of aiming to "fundamentally change the borders in Europe and restore the old Soviet Union within the borders of the old Soviet Union," posing a massive military threat to former Soviet-influenced nations. Merz delivered these strong remarks on December 13, 2025, during a keynote speech at the party congress of the Christian Social Union (CSU), the Bavarian sister party to his Christian Democratic Union (CDU), in Munich.
The chancellor warned that Putin's ambitions extend far beyond Ukraine, stating: "If Ukraine falls, he will not stop. And anyone who still believes that he will be satisfied with that should please analyze his strategies, papers, speeches, and appearances closely." Merz emphasized the need for a thorough examination of Russia's long-term intentions, framing the ongoing war in Ukraine as part of a broader revisionist agenda that threatens European security architecture.
While Merz did not directly reference the intensifying diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine—driven largely by US President Donald Trump—he underscored the imperative of sustained support for Kyiv. Key priorities, he said, include continued military and economic aid to Ukraine, strengthened cohesion within the European Union, deepened ties with the United Kingdom, preserving the NATO alliance "for as long as possible," and substantial investments in Germany's own defense capabilities.
Merz's speech comes amid heightened European efforts to influence the peace process, as Washington pushes for a swift resolution. On December 12, 2025, the German government announced that Merz will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin on Monday, December 15, for bilateral talks focused on economic support and the latest diplomatic developments. In the evening, the meeting will expand to include numerous European heads of state and government, as well as high-level representatives from the EU and NATO, according to government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius.
The Berlin gathering aims to coordinate positions on evolving peace initiatives, particularly in light of a new proposal developed by Kyiv and European allies that addresses sensitive territorial issues. Merz confirmed on December 11 that this document, outlining potential concessions Ukraine might consider, has been forwarded to the US administration for review. Discussions over the weekend involve the "E3" group (Germany, France, and the UK) alongside Ukraine and American counterparts, with potential US participation in the broader Monday summit depending on progress.
European leaders, including Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have expressed skepticism about certain aspects of the initial US proposals, which reportedly lean toward accommodating Russian demands on territory and security guarantees. Merz has stressed that any agreement must include robust mechanisms to prevent future aggression and respect Ukraine's sovereignty, warning against imposing a settlement unacceptable to the Ukrainian people.
The chancellor's warnings about Putin's alleged expansionist goals echo broader concerns in Europe about Russia's hybrid threats and military posture. Merz highlighted the risks to countries once under Soviet influence, urging vigilance and unity. His call for defense reinvestment aligns with Germany's push to meet and exceed NATO's 2% GDP spending target, amid debates on reintroducing compulsory military service.
As diplomatic momentum builds, the Berlin meetings represent a critical juncture for Europe to assert its role in shaping a durable peace, ensuring security guarantees and reconstruction support for Ukraine while countering perceived Russian revanchism.
