German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has issued a sharp warning against complacency regarding the threats emanating from Russia. According to him, dictator Vladimir Putin is striving not only to defeat Ukraine but also to «blow up democracy in Europe». The statement came against the backdrop of a week-long conflict between Washington and Kyiv, in which, according to European observers, US President Donald Trump has effectively taken Moscow's side.
Europe Takes Over Ukraine's Defense Financing
Merz stressed that Germany, together with other European and non-American allies, continues to finance Ukraine's defense and weaponry without Washington's help. «This is indeed a heavy burden on our budgets, this is indeed an important matter for the European Union,» the Chancellor stated. At the same time, he emphasized his resolve: «But we are doing this and trying to continue doing this until this terrible war ends.» Thus, Berlin is publicly fixing its transition to a model of independent European financing for Kyiv.
The Week-Long Conflict and Trump's Position
According to the publication, European leaders are actively seeking ways to de-escalate the week-long conflict, which centers on Washington's demands to halt Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in turn, accused Trump of attempting to pressure Kyiv into «surrendering to the Kremlin». The parties thus hold mutually exclusive positions: for the US, strikes on refineries are an unacceptable escalation factor; for Kyiv, they are a legitimate instrument of war, and abandoning them under Washington's pressure means capitulation.
Merz Tries to Persuade Trump
«I try to persuade Donald Trump every time I meet with him that this must be in his own interest,» Merz said. The Chancellor argues that a stable Europe as a global partner is also valuable to Americans. This statement highlights that European diplomacy is trying to find common ground with Washington without abandoning its support for Kyiv.
What Awaits Europe: Elections, Air Defense, and Intelligence
Bloomberg recalls that European leaders face the prospect of continuing support for Ukraine independently, without US assistance. They continue to support sanctions against Moscow and insist that Kyiv should not cede territory as part of a peace settlement. However, according to the publication, Europe will not be able to replace American air defense and intelligence sharing anytime soon. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that a tense election season is about to begin in several European capitals, limiting leaders' political maneuverability.
Threats Regarding PURL and Intelligence
As is known, the United States recently warned Ukraine about a possible halt to intelligence sharing due to strikes on Russian refineries. In addition, according to media reports, Trump allegedly threatened to stop arms supplies to the Armed Forces of Ukraine under the PURL program because of the same strikes on Russian oil refineries. These steps, if implemented, will significantly weaken Ukraine's defense potential and increase Kyiv's dependence on European support, which, as Merz stated, Berlin is ready to bear «until this terrible war ends».
