Asger Risom
Merz Backs Trump’s Ceasefire Proposal, Warns of More Sanctions on Russia
Germany’s newly appointed Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Friday in Brussels that he does not expect Ukraine to join NATO anytime soon. His remarks come amid high-level talks with European Union and NATO officials during his first official visit since assuming office earlier this week.
“Ukraine Will Likely Join the EU First,” Says Merz
As reported by HotNews, Merz acknowledged Ukraine’s candidacy for EU membership, a process experts suggest could happen as early as 2030. He noted that NATO accession would be a far more complex and distant possibility, citing the need for unanimous approval from all alliance members.
“Ukraine has the right to freely decide on its political and military alliances,” Merz said, standing alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
NATO formally agreed last year to support Ukraine’s long-term membership prospects but, under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the possibility of near-term membership has been ruled out.
Supporting Trump’s Ceasefire Proposal and Increasing Pressure on Russia
Merz also endorsed Trump’s recent call for a 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, describing it as a necessary step toward a genuine peace agreement. “Russia is now being asked to accept a longer ceasefire that could pave the way for an authentic peace deal,” he told reporters after meeting European Council President Antonio Costa.
The German chancellor warned that failure to cooperate would lead to increased sanctions. “If Russia does not comply, we, along with our European and U.S. partners, will not hesitate to further intensify sanctions pressure,” he said.
Merz met separately with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola during his visit. He also spoke with Trump by phone Thursday evening, in what was their first official conversation since Merz took office.
The German leader indicated that key EU nations—including France, Poland, and the United Kingdom—are prepared to jointly support Trump’s ceasefire initiative in an upcoming formal declaration.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Merz’s comments signal Berlin’s dual-track strategy: cautious realism on Ukraine’s NATO hopes, paired with strong alignment on maintaining pressure on Moscow.