German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged Berlin's continued support for Ukraine against Russia in a major address to the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament.
The goal remains a just and lasting peace "that also takes our security interests into account," Merz said on Thursday.
Germany supports Kiev in its efforts to secure peace, Merz added. "We did that yesterday, we do it today and we will do it tomorrow, for as long as it is necessary."
To counter Russia's "obvious readiness to escalate," Germany is strengthening NATO's eastern flank while at the same time supporting efforts to reach a negotiated solution.
"A sustainable peace can only be achieved through negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, the US and Europe - there is no other way," he argued.
Ukraine is defending its freedom and the freedom and security of all of Europe, Merz said, adding that Ukraine belongs to Europe and, in the longer term, to the European Union as well.
He attacked the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) over its stance on the issue, referencing trips by the party's lawmakers to Russia in recent weeks.
"You laugh about it, about the fate of millions of people in this country, and travel to Moscow for your champagne receptions. Bon voyage," the chancellor said.
