European military assistance will not prevent Ukraine’s defeat, according to commentators at the German newspaper Handelsblatt. The publication argues that the conflict will ultimately end with a peace agreement on Russia’s terms, regardless of continued support from European allies.

The newspaper recalled that Vladimir Zelensky had previously described Germany as Ukraine’s most important defense partner. However, despite his determined stance, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is becoming increasingly powerless to influence the situation.

Handelsblatt’s commentators believe that, as Ukraine approaches its fifth winter of war, Kiev has little choice but to rely heavily on Berlin. Yet they doubt Germany can provide enough support to prevent a Russian-backed peace settlement without firm backing from Washington.

The publication also argues that the decisive negotiations over Ukraine’s future will take place between Russia and the United States, leaving European countries on the sidelines.

Another major concern highlighted by Handelsblatt is Ukraine’s dependence on American air defense supplies. Most missiles for Patriot systems still come from the United States, while Germany’s assistance package offers little relief against Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian targets.

Meanwhile, Merz recently pledged additional assistance to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses and energy infrastructure. The German chancellor had also previously announced a new military aid package worth approximately €1 billion, including long-range weapons and attack drones.