Friedrich Merz defends NATO peace prize in Münster and warns of Russian threats

Defense alliance honoured in Münster

German Chancellor and CDU chairman Friedrich Merz visited Münster on Thursday to attend the presentation of the Westphalian Peace Prize to NATO. At midday, Merz toured the 1st German-Netherlands Corps alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. The formal ceremony took place in Münster City Hall. Merz addressed the decision to honour a military alliance with a peace award, describing the tribute as logical rather than contradictory. He stated that NATO has served as the foundational pillar of the euro-atlantic peace order for three generations, protecting European freedom, security, and economic prosperity while working with partners on credible deterrence.

A peace prize for a military alliance, that appears contradictory at first glance, but actually it is logical.

Russian revisionism and European security

Merz stated that the continental peace order faces an acute challenge from violent revisionism directed by the Russian leadership in Moscow. The war in Ukraine has continued for almost five years after being unleashed in total disregard and contempt of legal order. The Chancellor stressed that the conflict directly affects the security of Germany and the rest of Europe, with continental stability at stake on Ukrainian territory. Merz noted that Western governments continue to struggle for a diplomatic solution, even though Moscow has shown no willingness to come to the negotiating table. As a result, allied nations will maintain joint backing for Ukraine with full strength and resist external intimidation.

If we falter in Germany, then Europe falters. If Europe falters, then Ukraine also falters.

Political debate over Ukraine assistance

Germany currently stands as Ukraine's most significant financial and military backer in its defensive war against Russia. Merz warned against any reduction in assistance, stating that a withdrawal of German backing would result in a dictated peace. He noted that such a settlement would threaten to destabilize the Ukrainian state and trigger mass migration flows toward western Europe. The Chancellor delivered these warnings in response to growing domestic political resistance to billion-euro support packages, an issue that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has incorporated into its political campaigning. Merz rejected domestic opposition to the aid, asserting that German firmness is required to keep European assistance intact.

Response to hybrid operations and drone threats

The Chancellor also warned of ongoing hybrid attacks directed at European infrastructure, insisting that Moscow's actions would not deter German policy. Merz cited an attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport during the summer as an example of dangerous escalation by Russian actors. He characterized these hostile operations as evidence of growing Russian helplessness in the face of unsuccessful warfare in Ukraine. Merz emphasized that authorities are preparing for further hybrid disruptions, including severe actions, and promised rapid and decisive countermeasures if new attacks occur.

We are preparing for further hybrid attacks, including severe ones. Should they come, we would respond quickly and very clearly, as after Leipzig.