Germany says it will not repeat 2014 mistakes on Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany would not “stand idly by” as Europe’s security is reshaped and vowed not to repeat the 2014 mistake of leaving Ukraine without security guarantees. Speaking in parliament ahead of the EU summit in Brussels, Belgium, Merz said Russia is waging a war not only against Ukraine but against all of Europe. He stressed that Ukraine must not be forced into unacceptable territorial concessions and said frozen Russian assets could finance Ukraine’s defense for at least two years. Merz added that Germany is ready to take responsibility to ensure lasting peace and security in Europe.