German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Denounces Russian Attacks on Civilians
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sharply criticized Russia’s recent military actions in Ukraine, describing them as brutal assaults targeting innocent civilians rather than military objectives.
Accusations of War Crimes Amid Escalated Bombardments
During a joint press conference with Dutch Minister Dick Schoof, Merz condemned Moscow’s intensified bombardments in Ukraine as some of the most serious war crimes witnessed recently. He emphasized that Russia deliberately struck civilian areas with no regard for military targets, a move he decried as “terror against the civilian population.”
Questioning Russia’s Justifications: Disproportionate and Deliberate
Merz rejected Moscow’s claim that these attacks were proportional responses to Ukrainian strikes on military airfields and infrastructure. Highlighting the precision and limited scope of Ukraine’s military actions last week, he labeled Russia’s retaliation as “anything but a proportionate response.”
“Russia aimed to unleash a bloodbath,” Merz stated, acknowledging that Ukraine’s robust defense helped prevent even greater civilian casualties.
Diplomatic and Strategic Implications Ahead of International Summits
These strong remarks come just days before the upcoming G7 summit in Canada and a NATO meeting, where global allies are expected to pressure the Kremlin further through enhanced sanctions and strategic measures. Merz has already urged the European Union to swiftly introduce new sanctions targeting Russia’s banking and energy sectors.
He confirmed ongoing discussions with EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen and expressed firm support for stronger economic punitive actions.
Conditions for Peace: Negotiations or Increased Pressure
While Merz acknowledged that Ukraine’s allies remain open to negotiations, he stressed that Russia has so far refused dialogue. In this context, he asserted that the international response must combine military strength with massive economic pressure to compel Russia to reconsider its actions.
As the situation unfolds, global diplomatic efforts continue to focus on both supporting Ukraine’s defense and imposing strict consequences for violations of international law.
