German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says Russia cannot win Ukraine war as NATO pledges €70 bn aid

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told the NATO summit in Ankara that Russia has no chance of winning the war in Ukraine and that a swift end to the conflict would benefit Europe, Russia and global peace. He emphasized that the responsibility now lies with Russia to end the war.

NATO allies committed to continue providing Ukraine with roughly €70 billion in military assistance each year for 2026‑2027, reinforcing the support pledged in previous years. The summit also highlighted increased defence spending by member states, new cooperation on submarine construction among Germany, Canada and Norway, and a broader effort to give NATO a stronger European dimension while maintaining transatlantic ties.