German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for the immediate commencement of peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Merz stated it is time to “stop the killing,” signaling a growing urgency for a diplomatic resolution. He expressed a belief that Russia will not ultimately prevail in the conflict. This call for talks comes amid continued fighting and international efforts to find a path towards de-escalation. Merz’s statement reflects a shift in focus towards actively seeking a negotiated settlement, rather than solely focusing on military aid. The German Chancellor did not elaborate on specific conditions for negotiations or potential compromises. His remarks underscore the human cost of the ongoing war and the need for a swift end to the violence.