German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians as severe war crimes during a press conference with Dutch counterpart Dick Schoof. He highlighted that these assaults targeted civilian populations rather than military installations. Merz criticized Russia's actions as an escalation of violence and not a legitimate response to Europe's concerns. He advocated for new sanctions against Russia's banking and energy sectors, emphasizing Ukraine’s fight for broader European security. As negotiations with Russia stall, he called for military strength and economic pressure to deter further aggression.
"Russia wanted to create a bloodbath and the fact that this only happened in a limited way is thanks to effective Ukrainian defence."
"Once again, Russia is escalating instead of negotiating."
"Ukraine is fighting not only for its own security but also for the security of Europe... after a war of aggression that was started by Russia."
"If negotiations are refused -- and they are being refused on the Russian side -- then the response must be military strength and massive economic pressure."
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