The leader of the German opposition conservative CDU/CSU bloc and the most popular German politician Friedrich Merz arrived in Ukraine on Monday, December 9, to reaffirm Germany’s support and assistance to the Ukrainian democracy fighting the Russian occupiers.
Merz’s visit took place a week after the arrival of the current German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The day of the visit to Ukraine was not announced for security reasons.
Upon arrival at the Kyiv railway station, the leader of the German Christian Democrats said: “And I just want to find out today what the situation is in Ukraine and what we can do to help this affected country continue its defense against Russian aggression.” He emphasized that the purpose of his visit was to demonstrate solidarity with the Ukrainian government and people.
Friedrich Merz also emphasized that the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction in the Bundestag firmly stands by Ukraine. Regarding Russian aggression, Merz spoke in a Christian spirit: “We want this terrible war to end as soon as possible and peace to be restored to Europe.”
During a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Merz assured that Germany would do everything to support Ukraine and stressed that Ukraine should be able to exercise its right to self-defense, as only a strong Ukraine can force Putin to the negotiating table. “If our support for Ukraine weakens, the war will last longer. But if our support remains consistent, this war will end faster,” the leader of the German conservatives emphasized.
In addition, Merz announced that he plans to discuss Ukraine’s strategy with Zelenskyy during the negotiations and find out what kind of help Ukraine needs. “For the sake of freedom. For the sake of peace. For the sake of the people of Ukraine,” Merz emphasized.
This is not the first visit of the leader of the German Christian Democrats to Ukraine. In May 2022, Merz visited our country, came to the towns of Kyiv region liberated from the occupation and met with Zelensky.
The visit of a German politician of this rank is not only symbolic, but also strategic. After all, after the collapse of the “traffic light coalition” of the Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats in Germany in November, it is the CDU/CSU that has the highest voter confidence, and Friedrich Merz may become the new chancellor after the February 23, 2025, elections.
Author: Valeriy Maydanyuk
