EditGerman Chancellor Merz delivers blunt rebukes on Iran and Ukraine
The statements come amid ongoing transatlantic strains and stalled diplomacy on multiple fronts
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz unleashed unusually sharp criticism of both U.S. policy in the Middle East and the realities facing Ukraine on Monday, highlighting deep transatlantic tensions and a pragmatic – if controversial – view on ending Europe’s biggest conflict.
Speaking to students in Marsberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Merz accused Iran’s leadership of humiliating the United States through skillful stalling tactics. He said Tehran had let U.S. officials travel to Islamabad only to leave empty-handed, with no progress on reviving peace talks.
“The Iranians are obviously very skilled at negotiating, or rather, very skilful at not negotiating,” Merz said. “An entire nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership, especially by these so-called Revolutionary Guards. I hope this ends as quickly as possible.”
Merz expressed skepticism about Washington’s strategy in the ongoing conflict with Iran, which began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on 28 February. He noted that Germany and Europe had not been consulted beforehand and warned that the situation had deteriorated sharply. He also highlighted the partial mining of the Strait of Hormuz and offered German minesweepers, while stressing the heavy economic cost to Germany.
Hard talk on Ukraine: territorial concessions for EU path?
In the same wide-ranging session, Merz took a notably candid line on Ukraine, suggesting Kyiv may ultimately have to accept the loss of some territory in any future peace deal with Russia – and linking that reality directly to its European Union aspirations.
“At some point, Ukraine will sign a ceasefire agreement; at some point, hopefully, a peace treaty with Russia. Then it may be that part of Ukraine’s territory is no longer Ukrainian,” Merz told the students.
He argued that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would need to sell such a deal to his people, possibly via referendum, by framing it as the price for opening Ukraine’s path to Europe: “I have opened the way to Europe for you.”
Merz tempered expectations on rapid EU accession, calling ideas of joining by 2027 or even 2028 unrealistic while the war continues. He stressed the need for strict criteria on rule of law and anti-corruption, and floated interim steps such as observer status in EU institutions.
A pattern of straight talk
Taken together, Merz’s comments in one school visit reflect a Chancellor increasingly willing to voice uncomfortable truths publicly. On Iran, his remarks underscore growing European frustration with U.S. decision-making and the lack of an apparent exit strategy. On Ukraine, they signal a realist assessment that a complete military victory restoring all pre-2014 or pre-2022 borders may not be feasible – and that EU integration could serve as the strategic prize to make painful compromises acceptable.
With Reuters.
Caption: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz talks to students during his visit at Carolus-Magnus-Gymnasium to mark the 2026 EU Project Day in Schools in Marsberg, Germany, 27 April 2026. EPA/FRIEDEMANN VOGEL
Updated: April 27, 2026 - 17:49
