German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that he is preparing for a long war in Ukraine , estimating that wars usually end either with military defeat or economic exhaustion – scenarios that, as he said, are not in sight for either Kiev or Moscow.

His comments came a day before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump for a meeting between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine to pave the way for peace talks. Trump has warned of consequences if the meeting does not take place.

Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin and have called on the US to impose tougher sanctions on Moscow.

"I am internally preparing myself for this war to last a long time," Merz said in an interview with public broadcaster ZDF.

He stressed that intensive diplomatic efforts are being made to end it as quickly as possible, but this cannot be done at the cost of Ukraine's surrender, as in such a case Russia would simply target another country.

And then the day after tomorrow it will be us. This is not an option, he added.

He avoided responding to the possibility of deploying German troops in Ukraine as part of possible security guarantees in the event of a peace agreement.

Britain and France are pushing a proposal for a deterrent force that would deter future Russian aggression, but the prospect of German participation is causing reactions in a country scarred by its past.

The Kremlin, for its part, argued on Sunday that European powers are obstructing Trump's peace initiatives and reiterated that Russia will continue its operation in Ukraine until it sees real signs that Kiev is ready for peace.