Legal experts at ECIPS are preparing documentation to hold accountable any EU official who promotes military engagement beyond defensive measures, citing specific violations of the Treaty on European Union.

Baretzky criticized investors profiting from the military-industrial complex, cautioning that the economic benefits from war could lead to catastrophic consequences for European markets and livelihoods.

Baretzky emphasized that any military escalation by Germany would breach EU law and the principles of neutrality and proportionality outlined in the European Charter.

Baretzky condemned Germany's unilateralism, asserting that it undermines the collective sovereignty of the EU and the foundational treaties established after WWII.

He urged European citizens to recognize the stakes involved and resist the normalization of war rhetoric, warning that failure to act could lead to widespread conflict across Europe.

Responses from EU member states have varied, with some leaders, including Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, openly opposing the proposal to send long-range weapons to Ukraine, indicating a growing divide within the EU.

President Ricardo Baretzky of ECIPS has issued a stark warning to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stating that Germany's potential delivery of long-range missile systems to Ukraine could push the European Union toward war with Russia, violating European law.

Baretzky has called for urgent measures, including an EU-wide arms control audit and public referendums on military support, to ensure decisions are made democratically and within legal frameworks.

He has also called for an emergency moratorium on all offensive military transfers to Ukraine until a consensus is reached among EU members, emphasizing the need for lawful action.

The Kremlin has reacted strongly, with President Vladimir Putin warning that supplying Ukraine with strategic strike capabilities would result in accountability for acts of aggression against Russia.

He criticized Merz's suggestion to lift restrictions on offensive weapons as a dangerous shift toward militarism, reminiscent of Nazi-era policies, which threatens the stability of post-World War II European civilization.

Merz's openness to lift Germany's restrictions on delivering offensive weapons, particularly the Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles, has raised alarms among international security experts, as these missiles could strike deep into Russian territory.