Merz announces new Coalition of the Willing meeting in November

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has revealed that Germany will host a gathering known as the "Coalition of the Willing" in Berlin in mid-November. This summit aims to coordinate international military and financial aid for Ukraine. During his Asian tour, Merz emphasized the importance of supporting Kyiv and enhancing Ukrainian air defenses as key issues.

Upon returning to Berlin, Merz confirmed that Germany intends to convene allied partners for a joint discussion on defense contributions and aid provision. Merz reiterated Germany's unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine, promising to sustain military, financial, and humanitarian assistance without any reduction. The chancellor's announcement of the Berlin conference is in line with his approach to negotiations and European collective security.

Merz's stance on Ukraine's negotiations was highlighted during the Berlin Global Dialogue conference, where he backed Ukraine amid shuttle diplomacy between the White House special presidential envoys in Oslo and Saint Petersburg. Merz dismissed claims that Western military aid prolongs the conflict, arguing that support is intended to secure a swift and lasting peace.

The chancellor firmly stated that Ukraine's capitulation or unconditional surrender is unacceptable, as it would jeopardize the security of the entire continent. Merz warned that surrendering Ukraine would equate to surrendering all of Europe, asserting that backing Kyiv is entirely consistent with core European national interests.

He argued that Russia's aggression is not limited to conventional warfare but extends into a broader campaign of hybrid warfare, airspace provocations, and sabotage plots across Europe.