Merz announces Coalition of the Willing meeting in Berlin

German Chancellor Olaf Merz announced a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Berlin next week during his Asian tour, which included stops in Singapore, Japan, and South Korea. Merz held discussions in each country about providing Ukraine with additional support, with the methods and extent of aid varying from nation to nation. However, each nation expressed a strong desire to assist and minimize the conflict.

Merz reiterated Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine and mentioned ongoing talks with various countries regarding the possibility of supplying Ukraine with enhanced air defense capabilities. He emphasized the need for Ukraine to receive more defensive capabilities and stressed that these discussions were taking place confidentially with potential delivery countries.

The German chancellor highlighted the importance of Russia's war against Ukraine during his Asian trip and stressed the connection between European and Indo-Pacific security, particularly in the context of China's backing for Russia and Moscow's military collaboration with North Korea. In October, Merz also indicated that Germany planned to convene the Coalition of the Willing in Berlin in the coming winter, alongside France and the United Kingdom, to coordinate further aid to Ukraine.