Merz's full Münster address Ukraine, Russia and peace

Oct 24, 1648

Frohloff and a ceremony film introduce NATO's award, including a short Rutte quotation, before Merz's complete laudation. Merz links NATO to his interpretation of the 1648 peace order and argues that Russia's war threatens European freedom and security. He attributes hybrid attacks, including Leipzig, to Moscow and conditionally warns that unchecked Russia would eventually threaten NATO. He advocates nuanced judgment of Russia but strength and allied unity, citing Poland and Finland while retaining the need for negotiation and eventual stable relations. He credits European and U.S. support, citing a recent G7 meeting and claiming enactment of the Graham sanctions law, and alleges Russian backing of AfD agitation. He argues aid protects German prosperity, sets ceasefire, sovereignty, territorial-choice and security-guarantee principles, and seeks negotiations including Ukraine, Russia, the U.S. and Europe. He outlines winter assistance, prospective mass production of jet-drone interceptors and power-plant repairs; warns of an imposed peace without aid; promises a clear response to further hybrid attacks; thanks the Corps visited that day; and pledges greater German responsibility in NATO. Estimates, accusations, forecasts and commitments remain attributed.

The peace agreements negotiated at Münster and Osnabrück end the Thirty Years' War in 1648. In substantial retrospectives, Wüst stresses sovereign equality, territorial integrity and law; Merz recalls five years of negotiations and 150 envoys and interprets the result as protection for small and middle powers and a precursor to the modern security order. Czerny emphasizes dialogue and reconciliation, and Zinkann rules that allow opponents to coexist despite differences. These modern interpretations remain attributed. The working track renders Czerny's year as 1668; the other addresses and the verified treaty chronology establish 1648.