Ukraine Will Have to Come to Terms with Territorial Losses, Merz Says

The Chancellor of Germany has not ruled out that Ukraine may be forced to accept territorial losses in order to pursue its goal of EU membership. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that at a certain stage, Ukraine will sign a ceasefire with Russia, and later, he hopes, a peace treaty.

According to him, it may become evident that a portion of the country’s territory is no longer Ukrainian. Merz noted that if President Zelensky decides to present this to his people and seek a majority's approval, which would require a referendum, he must simultaneously inform the people about the path to Europe being opened.

At the same time, the Chancellor deemed unrealistic Kyiv's intention to join the EU by 2027-2028. He emphasized that the country cannot join the union until the war is over and the criteria for the fight against corruption and rule of law are ensured.

As an alternative solution, Merz proposed granting Ukraine observer status in European institutions.