German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he expects Russia's war in Ukraine to last a long time, as most wars end in military defeat or economic collapse — a scenario he does not foresee for Russia or Ukraine.

"I am preparing myself internally for the fact that this war will continue for a long time," Merz told German public television ZDF.

Merz's comments came a day before the deadline set by US President Donald Trump for a bilateral meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

"Within two weeks, we will know if there will be peace in Ukraine. After that, we may have to take different measures," Trump said on August 21.

Despite months of US-led diplomatic efforts and multiple deadlines set by Trump, Russia shows no signs of backing down. Just a day earlier, Moscow's top general promised to continue the war in Ukraine both on the front lines and against Ukrainian cities, the Kyiv Independent reported.

Zelensky has repeatedly said he is ready to meet with Putin and hold peace talks, while the Kremlin rejects calls for an unconditional ceasefire and intensifies attacks on Ukrainian civilian targets.

Merz also noted that peace cannot be achieved "at the cost of Ukraine's capitulation," warning that Russia would simply turn its attention to another European country.

"Tomorrow it will be us. That is not an option," the chancellor stressed.

Earlier this week, Merz said Germany was "already in conflict with Russia," citing Moscow's hybrid operations and sabotage activities across Europe. He declined to comment on whether Germany would consider sending troops to Ukraine as part of future security guarantees — a condition that Kyiv has identified as key to peace. | BGNES