“Diplomacy isn’t about flipping a switch overnight and then everything will be fine again,” the chancellor said in an interview.

What does Europe even know about diplomacy in the first place?

Have they ever tried to arrange negotiations or meetings with Russia? Have they ever considered to compromise on any of their terms or positions? Have they ever even considered watching their damn arrogant and disrespectful language in statements having anything to do with Russia?

All Europe is doing is periodically having their get together napoleon syndrome / hubris anonymous counselling sessions that produce the most detached from reality set of conditions for imaginable, collectively declaring it fair, just and unbiased - and then calling Russia all sorts of names for not immediately capitulating to all of its terms.

While also kicking out all of the Russian diplomats from across the entire territory.

What a joke.

"I'm mentally preparing myself for the fact that this war could drag on for a long time," he told ZDF when asked if he was hopeful that a ceasefire could be reached next year. "We're trying to end it as quickly as possible, but certainly not at the price of Ukraine's capitulation."

Mister, I think you just described the reason for why this war could drag on for a long time. You are effectively trying to make a losing country on the brink of collapse come out of the conflict as a winner, with a full reimbursement package for the troubles, and for the winner to admin defeat, provide full compensation, and accept all of the blame and consequences.

Even Trump is calling Europe out on this now.

Asked about security guarantees — intended to protect Ukraine from another Russian attack in case of a peace agreement — Merz said: "The number one priority is supporting the Ukrainian army so that they can defend this country in the long term. That is the absolute priority, and we will begin doing that now."

I thought the number one priority of a German chancellor is the interests and wellbeing of german citizens that elected him into power. Why are you getting involved in someone else has conflict and trying to play the arbiter of justice, instead of focusing on your own direct responsibilities. Speaking of which...

In a televised interview on Sunday he also said that if he hadn't decided to alter Germany's debt rules to allow it to massively invest in defense, the NATO alliance would probably have disintegrated in June.

I'm sure germans will collectively appreciate "vigorous reforms" (read: massive cuts) to their welfare system to support NATO's continued existence; as in, appeasing Trump not to dump it and leave.

He also called for vigorous reforms of Germany's welfare systems, which the country could no longer afford, he said. "We have been living beyond our means for years," he said.

With priorities like that, no wonder.