NATO nation Germany provokes Putin? Merz says will push EU to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, ahead of the next EU summit, reaffirmed his push to use frozen Russian state assets as collateral for EU loans to Ukraine rather than outright confiscation—stressing ongoing negotiations with Belgium and other skeptical EU members to provide joint guarantees and secure the long-term supply of military aid to Ukraine. Merz emphasized that further persuasion is required among heads of state and government and targeted December as a decision point. Speaking about the coming G20 summit in Johannesburg, Merz acknowledged the absence of U.S., Russian, and Chinese leaders but stressed Germany’s commitment to constructive dialogue and partnership-building, particularly with African nations.