German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Sunday that the war in Ukraine could last for a long time and ending it quickly at the country's expense was not an option.

In an interview with German public broadcaster ZDF, Merz, when asked whether a ceasefire might be possible this year, said he hasn't lost hope but "harbors no illusions."

"We are trying to end it as quickly as possible. But certainly not at the price of Ukraine's capitulation. You could end the war tomorrow if Ukraine surrendered and lost its independence," Merz said.

"Then the next country would be at risk the day after tomorrow. And the day after that, it would be us," the chancellor said.

Germany is a key backer of Ukraine and has delivered or pledged military support worth about $47 billion since Russia launched its full-s

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