German Chancellor Mertz said on October 1 that Germany will continue to support Ukraine and will also continue to seek a solution to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict through diplomatic channels. On the same day, Mertz inspected the First German and Dutch Army with visiting Dutch Prime Minister Jerten and NATO Secretary General Rutte in Münster, NRW. Mertz said at the press conference that the Russian-Ukrainian war is directly related to European security, and Germany will continue to strengthen its military strength and economic resilience to this end. Mertz also said that the First German and Dutch Legion was co-led by Germany and the Netherlands, with 14 other countries participating. Since July 2026, the corps has carried out defense missions in the eastern wing of NATO in Estonia and Latvia.

German Chancellor Mertz said on October 1 that Germany will continue to support Ukraine and will also continue to seek a solution to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict through diplomatic channels. On the same day, Mertz inspected the First German and Dutch Army with visiting Dutch Prime Minister Jerten and NATO Secretary General Rutte in Münster, NRW. Mertz said at the press conference that the Russian-Ukrainian war is directly related to European security, and Germany will continue to strengthen its military strength and economic resilience to this end. Mertz also said that the First German and Dutch Legion was co-led by Germany and the Netherlands, with 14 other countries participating. Since July 2026, the corps has carried out defense missions in the eastern wing of NATO in Estonia and Latvia.