Vance prepares 'strong message' for Germany and Europe in Munich - Merz
Friedrich Merz, head of the CDU (photo: Getty Images)
The candidate for the position of Germany's next chancellor from the CDU/CSU alliance expects US Vice President JD Vance to deliver strong statements directed at Europe and Germany in particular during the Munich Security Conference, according to Tagesschau.
According to the German politician, at the Munich Security Conference starting on February 14, Vance may deliver brutally tough messages to Germany and Europe.
"This will be a confrontational speech," Merz said during ZDF's Klartext program, citing information from American circles.
Reaction to Trump's conversation with Putin and pessimism about 'Ukraine's prospects'
The German chancellor candidate also expressed pessimism about the negotiation process on Ukraine initiated by US President Donald Trump.
Commenting on Trump's phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, conducted without consulting European governments or Kyiv, Merz stated that he is currently very pessimistic about Ukraine's prospects.
Merz predicts a 'turning point' in Munich
The leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union party also criticized the West, particularly Germany, for not providing even greater assistance to Ukraine in repelling Russian aggression.
According to Merz, had there been more support, there might have been a chance to end this war earlier.
"This weekend will mark a turning point. This security conference will remain in our memory for a long time," predicted the German politician.
According to Politico, US Vice President JD Vance declined to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during the Munich Security Conference. Allegedly, this decision stems from the belief within the White House that Scholz’s tenure as head of the German government is nearing its end.
Meanwhile, Western media reports suggest that Vance will meet in Munich with Friedrich Merz, the candidate for Germany's chancellorship.
Yesterday, Bloomberg reported that Trump’s so-called “plan” for Ukraine could cost European Union countries around $3 trillion. The publication stated that the US president is beginning to dictate to EU leaders what they must do to secure peace in Ukraine, with his demands pushing the bloc to the brink of its financial and resource limits.
