During the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026 in Gdańsk, Poland, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Ukraine now holds a strengthened position. Merz, speaking on Thursday, June 25, called for increased economic pressure on Russia and urged the start of negotiations to freeze the front line and end hostilities. He emphasized that Germany and its partners remain committed to Ukraine’s military and civilian support. The conference focused on mobilizing private investment for reconstruction, with Merz outlining four priorities: security, investment, reforms, and people. A 220-million-euro European fund was announced to attract private capital, and a vocational training initiative has allocated 1.2 billion euros. The chancellor insisted Russia will not win the war, underscoring the need for continued international backing.