Germany’s Merz Reaffirms Support for Ukraine Amid Russian Threats

BERLIN, October 17, 2026 — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Saturday reiterated his country’s commitment to supporting Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s war.

Speaking at a congress of the youth organisations of his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), in Berlin, Merz said Germany would not abandon Ukraine or its people.

“We must not leave this country and its people to fend for themselves. And we will not do so,” he said.

Germany has been among Ukraine’s key military supporters since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Berlin has supplied advanced weapons systems, ammunition and substantial financial assistance while also supporting Western sanctions against Moscow.

Merz Criticises Far Right and Far Left Opposition

The German chancellor also criticised the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the far-left party The Left, accusing them of downplaying the seriousness of the situation involving Russia.

Merz argued that Russia’s actions extended beyond challenging Ukraine’s territorial integrity, claiming that Moscow was also undermining Germany’s democracy, values and way of life.

He said Germany was responding to what he described as these broader threats.

Intelligence Chief Warns of Growing Tensions With Russia

Merz’s remarks came after Germany’s foreign intelligence chief warned that the country faced an increasingly dangerous confrontation with Russia.

Martin Jaeger, president of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), told the parliamentary intelligence committee that tensions with Moscow had entered a new and more serious phase.

Jaeger also warned of the risk of Germany being drawn into a violent conflict with Russia, saying Moscow now viewed Berlin as one of its principal adversaries.