German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Sunday that the war in Ukraine could still last for a long time and ending it quickly at the country’s expense was not an option.

In an interview with German public broadcaster ZDF, Merz, when asked whether a ceasefire might be possible this year, said he hasn�t lost hope but �harbors no illusions,” and emphasized that supporting the country to defend itself against Russia was an �absolute priority.�

�We are trying to end it as quickly as possible. But certainly not at the price of Ukraine�s capitulation. You could end the war tomorrow if Ukraine surrendered and lost its independence,� Merz said.

�Then the next country would be at risk the day after tomorrow. And the day after that, it would be us. That is not an option,� the chancellor said.

Germany is a key backer of Ukraine and has delivered or pledged military support worth around 40 billion euros ($47 billion) since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

(AP)