Daily Russian assaults on Germany's infrastructure are leading to national instability, according to the German chancellor.
In a recent interview following a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Toulon, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his concerns about Russia's actions towards Ukraine and its internal affairs.
Merz stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin no longer respects international agreements and that his aggression goes beyond mere territorial claims. He noted that Putin's actions are destabilizing large parts of Germany and that Russia is systematically attacking German infrastructure.
The German leader also criticized Putin for his disregard for international law, comparing it to the actions of Xi Jinping in China and North Korea. Merz implied that diplomacy with Putin provokes further aggression against civilians and suggested that every diplomatic effort made has only provoked greater attacks on civilians.
Merz emphasized that Putin seeks to influence public opinion, including via social media, and that it is necessary to say 'no' to the Putin regime and everything connected to it. He also mentioned the need to fight against the oligarchs and kleptocracy that has seized the Russian state.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Merz announced that Germany, together with a coalition of willing European partners and the USA, will strengthen support for Ukraine. This includes financing, arming, and training the Ukrainian armed forces, as well as providing security guarantees, but does not involve sending troops on the ground currently.
In addition, the leaders of France and Germany have pledged to provide Ukraine with additional air defense capabilities and to intensify pressure on Russia to force it to end its full-scale aggression against Ukraine. Merz did not respond to a question about whether he has Putin's phone number.
Despite his criticism of Putin, Merz expressed hope that one day they will again be good neighbors with the Russians. He stated that the world will have to contend with Putin's Russia for many years, but that it is important to stand up to aggression and to defend the principles of democracy and international law.
