Ex-German chancellor urges Europe to seek diplomatic solutions on Ukraine

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called on European countries to pursue diplomatic solutions to the Ukraine crisis, rather than focusing solely on strengthening their defence and military capabilities.

In an interview with Hungarian outlet Partizán on October 4, Merkel acknowledged Europe’s efforts to bolster defence capabilities but emphasised the importance of diplomacy.

“Regarding the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, on the one hand, we need to become stronger militarily, and Europe is doing that. But I also believe that, as in the Cold War, diplomacy is always necessary,” Merkel said. 

She also urged European nations to proactively and collectively consider how diplomatic measures could influence the course of events.

Eastern European leaders like Tusk advocate a hardline stance, with Tusk declaring on September 29 that “the Ukraine conflict is also the war of the West,” urging Europe to bolster defences. In contrast, Orbán, who has maintained ties with Moscow, warned on X that such rhetoric “endangers the lives of millions of Europeans,” aligning with Merkel’s caution against militarised narratives. Germany’s current Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has leaned toward military support, approving €4 billion in aid for Ukraine in 2025, but faces domestic pressure to prioritise diplomacy amid economic strains.

The Ukraine war has intensified in 2025, with Russia’s Zapad-2025 exercises (concluding September 16) simulating nuclear strikes and NATO reporting frequent airspace violations.

By Khagan Isayev