Merz ruled out a military solution to the conflict in Ukraine

The conflict in Ukraine cannot be solved by military means. This was announced on June 25 by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to reporters following the NATO summit in The Hague.

"There will be no military solution to this conflict," the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper quoted him as saying.

The German Chancellor also called on countries to increase economic pressure on Russia. Merz recalled that on Thursday, June 26, the European Union (EU) plans to adopt the 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions.

At the same time, he stressed that the bloc needs more active U.S. involvement in the context of sanctions. According to the Chancellor, on the sidelines of the NATO summit, he conveyed to the American leader Donald Trump the EU's desire for the United States to join new restrictions against the Russian Federation.

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On June 20, Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Vasily Nebenzia called on Ukraine to adopt a memorandum on a peaceful settlement. He called the document the best offer that Kiev can receive at the moment. He also stressed that Ukraine can be saved from a complete catastrophe by immediately entering into constructive and realistic negotiations.