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Chancellor Merz: Ukraine Needs 800,000 Troops for Security

11/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Ukraine needs strong armed forces and security guarantees after a potential peace deal with Russia.
Merz said Ukraine should not be compelled to surrender territory, and European and Ukrainian security interests are intertwined.
Discussions are ongoing with the United States and Ukraine regarding these guarantees.
Merz proposed up to 800,000 soldiers, surpassing the previously suggested 600,000, with the front line as the basis for negotiations.

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Story summary

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Ukraine needs strong armed forces and security guarantees after a potential peace deal with Russia.
Merz said Ukraine should not be compelled to surrender territory, and European and Ukrainian security interests are intertwined.
Discussions are ongoing with the United States and Ukraine regarding these guarantees.
Merz proposed up to 800,000 soldiers, surpassing the previously suggested 600,000, with the front line as the basis for negotiations.