German Chancellor Merz Says Ukraine Gains Upper Hand as Russia Falters

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking ahead of the G7 summit in Evian, said Kyiv has moved into a new position of power and that Russia is no longer able to win militarily, adding that the Russian economy is severely weakened. He described the situation as creating a “window of opportunity” for renewed diplomacy on Ukraine.

Merz also welcomed the recent U.S.–Iran nuclear framework, praised the agreement’s potential to stabilize the Middle East and open the Strait of Hormuz, and urged Iran to cap its nuclear program. He called for the G7 to develop coordinated strategies on trade, critical materials and resilient supply chains, and highlighted cooperation with France, the United Kingdom and other partners.