“Europe Is Not a Pawn”: German Chancellor Merz Warns US Against Sideling Europe in Ukraine Talks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned Wednesday that the United States must not marginalize European countries in negotiations with Russia over Ukraine, stressing that any settlement requires Europe’s agreement.

Speaking to lawmakers in the Bundestag, Merz said Europeans are eager for a swift end to the war in Ukraine, but cautioned that any agreement negotiated by “great powers” without the consent of Ukraine — and without European approval — would not create a foundation for lasting peace.

“At this fateful moment for Ukraine, for Europe, and for our alliance with the US, I also want to make it clear: European affairs can only be decided in agreement with Europe,” Merz said. He added, “Europe is not a pawn, but a sovereign actor pursuing its own interests and values. And in all these developments, we must not lose sight of this: this war could end tomorrow if Russia ceases its illegal war and withdraws its troops from foreign territory.”