The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, emphasized in his New Year’s address to citizens that the war Russia is waging against Ukraine directly affects all European states, including Germany, as it is part of a broader strategy by Moscow aimed at Europe.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Threat to Europe’s Security and Freedom
In his address, Merz stressed that the conflict is not a distant event that does not concern Europeans. He stated that Russia continues its aggressive actions against Ukraine with extraordinary brutality, and Ukrainians are celebrating the New Year for the fourth consecutive year under difficult circumstances — many remain without electricity, are under constant missile fire, and live in fear for the lives of their loved ones and friends.
“A terrible war rages in Europe. This is a war that directly threatens our freedom and our security… Russia continues its aggressive war against Ukraine with relentless brutality. For the fourth year in a row, Ukrainians will celebrate the New Year in the most unfavorable conditions – many without electricity, under a hail of missiles, in fear for their friends and relatives.”
Merz emphasized that every day, among other things, Germany faces diversions, espionage activities, and cyberattacks related to Russia’s actions. He highlighted that the invasion by the Russian Federation is a consistent part of a plan aimed at destabilizing all of Europe.
Support for Ukraine and the Consequences of the War
Throughout nearly four years of full-scale war, initiated by Moscow against Kyiv in February 2022, Germany has remained one of Ukraine’s most dedicated allies. Together with Poland, Germany has accepted the largest number of Ukrainian refugees, and its military and economic assistance to Ukraine has reached tens of billions of euros.
Despite the New Year holidays, hostilities continue, and Russia refuses any proposals for a temporary or permanent ceasefire. If this situation persists, 2026 could mark the fifth year of the Russian Federation’s full-scale war against Ukraine.