Merz: Putin’s Plans Extend Beyond Ukraine, This is Only the Beginning

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that the imperial ambitions of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin are not limited to Ukraine; rather, Ukraine is just the starting point.

Merz made this comment during an interview with Sky News, urging European allies to reassess their interests and seek new global partners, especially in light of the changes in relations with the United States.

“We in Europe must adjust our interests without false nostalgia,” emphasized Merz.

He pointed out that Washington remains an important partner for Europe. However, the nature of these relations has changed, as the United States has increasingly tied these connections to specific interests and issues.

The Threat of War in Europe

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, has indicated that Russia is preparing a massive rearmament program valued at $1.2 trillion. According to him, Russia could potentially launch attacks on Europe by 2030. He reiterated that Europe is aware of this looming threat, and it remains to be seen how they will respond to it over time.

In the meantime, hospitals in France have already received directives to prepare for an influx of injured individuals from conflict zones. The French government has set a deadline for readiness concerning this scenario by March 2026.