Germany's military engagement in Ukraine's security depends on US involvement: Merz

BERLIN - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Thursday that Germany's decision on any future direct military involvement in Ukraine's security guarantees will be influenced by the type and extent of the United States' involvement, among other factors.

Merz made the remarks during a virtual meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" hosted by the French government, which gathered European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to a government statement.

Europe is ready to make a decisive contribution of security guarantees to Ukraine once a negotiated solution is reached, Merz was quoted in the statement as saying.

Germany focuses its efforts to enhance its role in financing, arming, and training the Ukrainian armed forces, he noted, adding that a decision on any direct military involvement by Germany would be considered at an appropriate time when the framework conditions are clear.

He said the conditions include the nature and scale of involvement from the United States and the outcome of the negotiation process.

Merz also stressed the need to continue working towards a peace summit that includes Zelensky, with the goal of securing a ceasefire.