Germany’s likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz strongly condemned a Russian attack in northeastern Ukraine that killed more than 30 people. He also remains open to providing Ukraine with Taurus missiles.
Germany’s likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of committing a war crime after a Russian missile attack killed at least 34 people, including children, in the Ukrainian city of Sumy.
The leader of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) told German public broadcaster ARD on Sunday that the deadly Russian missile assault was “a deliberate and calculated war crime.”
“There are two waves of attacks, and the second arrived as emergency workers were taking care of the victims,” said Merz.
“That is the response, that is what (Russian President Vladimir) Putin does to those who talk with him of a ceasefire,” he added, mentioning those in Germany who “naively” call for peace talks with Putin.
“Our willingness to discuss with him is interpreted not as a serious offer to make peace, but as weakness,” said Merz.
Merz remains open to provide Ukraine with Taurus missiles
The soon-to-be chancellor also reiterated his support for supplying Ukraine with Taurus long-range missiles, provided such action is coordinated with European allies.
Merz noted that the UK, France and the US are some of the countries who have already provided Ukraine with the missiles.
Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has refused to provide Taurus missiles to Ukraine, due to the risks of escalating the conflict.
Scholz, a member of the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), earlier called the attack on Sumy “barbaric” and said: “Such attacks show Russia’s claim to want peace for what it really is.”
