German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking at the CDU's "Cafe Kyiv" forum in Berlin, called for increased pressure on Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine. Merz emphasized that the war will only cease when Russia can no longer achieve territorial gains and its costs become too high, condemning Russia's current conduct as barbaric and a violation of human rights. He warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin's ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, citing provocations in the Baltics and hybrid attacks across Europe. Merz reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine, noting that Germany has provided nearly 40 billion euros in civilian aid and over 50 billion euros in military assistance since the conflict began.