German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sharply condemned Russia’s aggressive hybrid attacks and vowed to build the strongest conventional army in Europe, while criticizing Putin’s imperial ambitions as extending beyond Ukraine.
Merz Calls Putin “Greatest War Criminal of Our Times”
Merz made his harshest remarks yet against Russia during an interview with ProSiebenSat1 television, labeling Putin as “the greatest war criminal of our times” and suggesting he needs to be pressured into peaceful solutions.
Range of Sanctions Against Russia Expected
Donald Trump signaled in a recent interview with Polish Radio the U.S. could escalate its approach to Russia, while U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen hinted at closer coordination with the EU to weaken the Russian economy.
Ukraine Support and Economic Solutions
Merz emphasized the need for decisive methods in dealing with the “satrap on the Kremlin” and announced support for Ukraine, while advocating for economic solutions over military options to deal with Putin’s aggression.