likely to be chancellor Merz is coming to kyiv to make weak scholz look like a fool
With German Chancellor Scholz’s legendary weakness on Russia now costing him at the ballot box, Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and candidate for chancellor, has announced plans to visit Ukraine in the coming days. Speaking at a security policy event in Berlin, Merz emphasized his intention to brief European partners on the outcomes of his trip.
Having recently called for the scaling up of arms supplies to Kyiv, Merz reiterated his call for the formation of a contact group comprising Germany, France, Poland, and the United Kingdom to develop a unified European strategy supporting Ukraine. He stressed the urgency of this initiative, noting the uncertainty surrounding potential developments after January 20, 2025, the scheduled inauguration date of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
Advocating for increased military assistance to Ukraine, Merz stated, “Ukraine must win the war, and Russia must lose.” He dismissed the notion that nuclear-armed states are invincible, underscoring the necessity for Ukraine to restore its territorial integrity.
While emphasizing robust support for Ukraine, Merz clarified that Germany should not become a direct participant in the conflict, asserting, “We do not want and will not [become a party to the war].”
This planned visit marks Merz’s second trip to Ukraine; he previously traveled to Kyiv in May 2022. His announcement follows a recent visit to Kyiv by incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a Social Democrat and fellow chancellor candidate, who had only visited Ukraine once since the full-scale invasion began, in July 2022. The upcoming snap elections on February 23 have intensified the political landscape, with both Merz and Scholz vying to form the next German government.
Merz’s visit underscores Germany’s ongoing commitment to Ukraine amid the protracted conflict, highlighting the importance of European solidarity and strategic coordination in addressing the crisis.