German Chancellor Merz: "If Moscow Supplies Weapons to Pyongyang, Europe Will Feel the Impact"

Chancellor Merz's Joint Statement Following South Korea-Germany Summit
"South Korea's Security Is Directly Connected to Europe's"

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on the 29th, "If North Korean troops fight Ukrainian forces in combat in Donbas, Europe's freedom is at risk."

Chancellor Merz, who is visiting South Korea on an official visit, made the remarks during a joint press announcement after holding a summit with President Lee Jae-myung at Cheong Wa Dae that day. "South Korea's security is directly connected with Europe's security," he said.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz drink beverages at a dinner held after their summit talks at Cheong Wa Dae on Oct. 29, 2026. Yonhap News Agency.

Chancellor Merz expressed concern, saying, "Ultimately, if Moscow supplies weapons to Pyongyang as a result, the effects will be felt in Europe."

"We all want a situation in which the war has ended, with a just and lasting peace, and a peaceful Europe," he said, adding, "The end of the war will bring major changes to the security architecture of Europe and Asia."

Chancellor Merz also explained, "Alongside geopolitical tensions, our direct experience of division connects us."

"We know well how painful it is to live in a divided country," he said. "For that very reason, I plan to visit the Demilitarized Zone tomorrow, October 30."

He added, "I will continue to discuss the situation on the Korean Peninsula with the president."

Meanwhile, Chancellor Merz said, "South Korea concluded its first free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) 15 years ago," adding, "The agreement has proven to be a truly successful model to date."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.