Ukraine war cannot end without US role — German Chancellor

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PARIS - The war in Ukraine cannot end without the involvement of the United States, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Wednesday, warning that European countries were not in a position to replace Washington.

"We cannot end this war in Ukraine without a continued involvement of the United States of America, this is not something that Europeans can substitute for," Merz said at a news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, adding that any ceasefire and security guarantees for Ukraine would also require US engagement.

Germany, France and many other European countries are ready to contribute, but "at the same time we are aware that we will continue to need the Americans", Merz said.

"We want the Americans to remain onboard, and to meet their responsibilities within NATO and towards Ukraine," he said.

Merz said Ukraine would be able "to continue relying on Germany and France in its fight against Russian aggression".

But he added: "Let me say this very clearly as well, ladies and gentlemen, President Trump has our full support when it comes to bringing about an end to the war."

European countries are ready to participate in any future monitoring of a ceasefire "under the leadership, and with the participation of, the United States", Merz added.

The chancellor also said he wanted to discuss nuclear "deterrence" on the European continent with France and Britain.

"We will give our respective ministers the mandate to begin this discussion," Merz said, adding that any such arrangement would be "complementary to what we already have with our American partners within NATO".