German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has backed Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil refineries and other facilities supporting Russia’s military operations. Following the EU summit in Brussels, he described such attacks as a justified means of defence in the face of Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy sector and what he assessed as Moscow’s unwillingness to end the war.
Briefly about the main points
- Merz considers Ukrainian strikes on targets in Russia to be a justified act of self-defence.
- The Chancellor referred to the communications and energy infrastructure being used in the war.
- Berlin’s approach differs from Trump’s calls to halt the attacks on oil refineries.
- Kyiv had proposed a pause in the attacks in exchange for missile defence systems.
- The EU estimates that Ukraine’s additional needs exceed the planned funding.
Merz linked the Ukrainian attacks to Russian strikes on the energy sector
According to the Chancellor, Russia continues to attack Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in an attempt to make life more difficult for the population ahead of winter. At the same time, he believes that Moscow shows no willingness to cease its aggression.
Merz clarified that this is not just about Oil refinery, but also at communications and power supply facilities used to support Russian military operations. Such strikes, in his view, provide Kyiv with one of the few ways to demonstrate its readiness to continue its defence.
Berlin and Washington have differed over their approach to the attacks on Russian oil refineries
The Chancellor’s statement came against the backdrop of repeated calls from the US President Donald Trump to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries. Trump linked these attacks to the rise in global fuel prices, whilst Merz emphasised their military significance for Ukraine.
The Chancellor said that he speaks on the phone regularly Trump and is planning a face-to-face meeting with him by December at the latest. On 15 October, Reuters reported on a new Ukrainian strike on an oil refinery in the Ryazan region following a brief pause in attacks on Russia’s energy sector, due to continued Russian shelling.
Zelenskyy attributed the lull in attacks to the strengthening of anti-missile defences
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy During a press conference in Brussels, he stated that Ukraine had proposed to the US that it suspend strikes on Russian oil refineries in exchange for additional missile defence systems. These would be intended to protect Ukraine’s energy sector from ballistic missile strikes.
According to the president, Kyiv has not received the necessary systems. Zelenskyy also stated that the agreements between the US and Russia regarding diesel fuel were concluded without consulting Ukraine.
The European Commission is assessing Ukraine’s additional financial needs
Merz stated that the previously earmarked €90 billion in European funding may not be sufficient to cover Ukraine’s defence and public sector needs. The European Commission is assessing the additional level of support, and the relevant decisions may be considered in November or December 2026.
The Chancellor linked further aid to Kyiv to Europe’s security interests, as Russian aggression, he said, threatens the European political order. The amount and mechanism for the additional funding are yet to be agreed.
