Zelenskyj, Merz and the fight against doubts

Even before the fifth winter since Russia's invasion, there is no end to the war in Ukraine in sight. Chancellor Merz emphasizes that he stands firmly by the country's side. But he's not the only one who notices

Analysis of the war against Ukraine Zelensky, Merz and the fight against doubts As of: November 3rd, 2026 • 7:27 p.m

Berlin knows its way around state guests. When a visit is announced without mentioning a name, most people know that they mean Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. If he comes, large parts of the city will be sealed off. This is also the case this time, when the seemingly endless column drives up to the Chancellery. Friedrich Merz awaits his guest and the two walk the red carpet, the anthems are played and sometimes drowned out by the helicopters in the air.

The Chancellor cares about the pictures. It was Merz who officially announced in the morning who was expected in Berlin. He recalls Zelensky's visit to Washington in February last year, which ended in disaster. The Ukrainian was paraded before the eyes of the world and more or less thrown out. The Chancellor announces that things will be different in Berlin.

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"Dear Volodymyr, you have Germany and you have the German federal government undiminished by your side," said the Chancellor in the press conference, which began about 30 minutes late. Merz sends a central message in several ways: Helping Ukraine is in Germany's interest. "We are doing it because it is important for our security, for the political and peace order throughout Europe. I am also campaigning for the majority of Germans to understand that we are doing this."

Germany has now become Ukraine's biggest supporter since the US withdrew more and more under President Donald Trump. The Chancellor emphasizes this - but warns that other Europeans also bear responsibility. On November 19th, the “Coalition of the Willing” will come to Berlin, i.e. the countries that are ready to help. Then we will also talk about the year 2027.

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Of course, Merz also knows that not everyone follows him when it comes to supporting Ukraine - in the world, but also at home among his own people. Zelenskyj hasn't even landed yet when AfD leader Alice Weidel reports on Young men are said to have been held in a building after being recruited for military service.

You can also see a young man who is allegedly being tortured. But there are doubts about this representation and no independent confirmation. Weidel still demands that the Chancellor should talk to Zelensky about it. BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht makes a very similar post.

Vassili Golod, ARD Kiev, about Ukraine's expectations of Berlin tagesthemen, Das Erste, November 3rd, 2026 • 10:15 p.m. Germany wants to be at the negotiating table The Chancellor emphasizes that he wants to convince the Germans and says: "We are trying at every level to bring this war to an end." Translated: Of course it's also about diplomacy. New peace talks will begin in Abu Dhabi next week - between Ukraine and Russia with US mediation. Germany can only watch - once again.

Merz demands that Europe must be at the table when it comes to peace. Also if the USA invites Russian President Vladimir Putin to the G20 summit in Miami in December. "In any case, in my view, it is completely unacceptable for third countries to talk about the fate of Ukraine without involving Ukraine in it." So he demands that Zelenskyj also be invited to Miami if Putin comes to the summit.

The USA, Russia and Ukraine last spoke to each other in a three-way format in February. more

Even if no one has counted. There is hardly a word that President Zelenskyj uses more often in Berlin: "Thank you!" The fact that US President Trump once accused him of being ungrateful had an impact. At the Berlin Security Conference, Zelenskyy speaks a lot about the USA. Without America, he says, many more people would have died in Ukraine. It is reminiscent of a USA that once stood for the rules in the world and there are clear doubts about how much of it still applies.

Ukraine will never give up, said Zelensky. But today no country can protect itself alone. Then he says almost pleadingly: "Please keep Germany as a country that people can believe in." The role of Europe is becoming more important. "And without Germany that is impossible." There is a president who clearly senses that doubts are also growing in Germany.