German Chancellor: Putin’s plans are bigger than Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned today that the Russian "invasion" of Ukraine might not be the end of the Kremlin’s ambitions but "only the beginning," stressing that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plans are expansionist and threaten the security of the entire European continent.

Merz said, "All indications show that Putin’s plans will not end at Ukraine’s borders but may start from there."

The German Chancellor also emphasized the need for Europe to reassess its strategic interests, especially in light of recent changes in the relationship with the United States. He added, "We in Europe must reevaluate our interests in light of the rapid changes in our relationship with the United States."

Merz pointed out that the NATO alliance is no longer "as automatic as it used to be," noting that the relationship with Washington is now based on specific issues and shared interests rather than a long-standing ideological commitment. He said, "It seems clear that the partnership with the United States will no longer be automatic but will increasingly be built on shared interests and specific issues."

ANHA