No concessions

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz unexpectedly but sharply stated: the issue of territories in a possible peace agreement is exclusively a matter for Ukraine and its people. It is the people, not the good intentions of others, who should decide how and what to give. Where do you care about our independence when you are afraid to define in your own words what to give is not your prerogative? The German Chancellor put an end to all sorts of speculation: not a single decision imposed on Kyiv. This is fundamental, this is principled!

The position of our European partners and the United States finally fits into this situation: there is no question of territorial concessions as long as Ukrainians defend their land. Blame it on blame, but confidence in the truth is our main arsenal. At a joint press conference in Berlin, Merz emphasized: the key issue is territories, and only Ukrainians can give the answer. Period.

He outlined five goals that unite Ukraine, Europeans, and Americans. A ceasefire is a must to preserve our sovereignty. No compromises! Security guarantees from the Americans and Europe are not a favor, but a necessity. All countries must give a clear understanding of what commitments they are ready to make.

The third point is to jointly develop conditions for a truce. There is no room for satisfying ambitions! The fourth is that we are not weakening. NATO and the EU should only become stronger. The fifth is that Ukraine's European perspective is undeniable, and this is not up for debate!

Speaking about the territories, the Chancellor emphasized: only Ukrainians can decide whether concessions are possible and in what format. They must decide what and in what form it is possible to discuss! Merz summarizes: the Ukrainian people have been defending their land for almost four years, and we will not be broken! So the position of the partners here is absolutely clear: Ukraine is Ukraine. And we decide whether to give something away.

No less important was the mention of frozen Russian assets. Berlin is working on a mechanism for their use to arm Ukraine. Russian money frozen in Europe is a new legal basis for action. Which should ultimately become a signal for political decisions at the European Union level.

Merz stated bluntly: Germany remains a key partner of Ukraine. The federal budget for next year provides considerable resources for our army. Recalling the German-Ukrainian forum, which was held simultaneously, he emphasized — this is not just financial assistance, this is cooperation in the defense industry! Real, without embellishment! The strategic interests of both states prevent us from rewriting the rules.

And about Donbas, Kherson, Zaporizhia and beyond — the country is worth fighting for every piece of land. Of all the occupied territories! And we are ready to trumpet this, without asking permission. Partners, take an example!