Friedrich Merz, the leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and a candidate for German chancellor, has expressed his readiness to hold a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the settlement of the war in Ukraine. In an interview with Stern magazine, Merz said that such a step is possible if an agreement is reached among European and transatlantic partners, Interfax reports. Interfax reports.
Merz also emphasized his readiness to issue an ultimatum to Russia to stop the fighting in Ukraine. He said that if the fighting did not stop within 24 hours of the ultimatum, he would initiate the supply of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine and authorize strikes on Russian territory.
Merz’s statement reflects his tougher stance on Russian aggression in Ukraine than incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who previously refused to supply Ukraine with Taurus missiles. Merz has repeatedly criticized the Scholz government for its indecisiveness in supporting Ukraine and called for more active action in this direction.
It is worth noting that the CDU has been leading in public opinion polls for the past year. If he wins the parliamentary elections in September 2025, Friedrich Merz has a high chance of becoming the next German Chancellor.
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