Merz: Ukraine needs a strong army even after agreement with Russia

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that Ukraine will need a strong army and reliable security guarantees even after a possible peace deal with Russia.

At a press conference with his Estonian counterpart, he stressed that the defence of Ukraine is also a question of European security.

The strongest guarantee, he said, should be a well-equipped army, and discussions on its target size are already taking place. European countries suggest a range of between 600- and 800-thousand troops.

At the same time, Merz rejects pushing Kiev into territorial concessions - he identifies the current front line as the starting point for negotiations.

Although he does not yet see room for the presence of international troops, he confirmed that Berlin is in talks with the US and Ukraine about possible security guarantees.

(reuters, swag)