Daily Russian assaults on German infrastructure serve to destabilize the nation, according to Merz.
In a significant statement made during an interview on French TV channel LCI, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin for disregarding international agreements and called for a firm stance against Putin's regime.
The statement came after a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Toulon, where the leaders pledged to increase pressure on Russia to halt its aggression against Ukraine. Merz emphasised that Russian President Vladimir Putin is attempting to influence public opinion in Germany, including through social media.
Chancellor Merz stated that Russia is systematically attacking German infrastructure, although no specific details were provided regarding the nature or extent of these attacks. He also noted that Putin does not feel threatened by NATO.
In a strong condemnation, Merz suggested that saying 'no' to the Putin regime and fighting against its oligarchs and kleptocracy is necessary. He believes that the world will have to deal with Putin's Russia for many years to come.
In a positive development, the leaders of France and Germany welcomed the restoration of close ties between Paris and Berlin. France and Germany promised to provide Ukraine with additional air defense systems, but did not specify which ones. However, Merz announced that Germany, supported financially by Norway, will provide the Ukraine with additional air defense systems including Patriot missile systems; Norway and Germany cooperate on financing two Patriot systems and related radar and air defense equipment.
Merz also criticised the disregard for international law rules by other world leaders, including Xi Jinping in China and North Korea. He asserted that diplomatic efforts with Putin have only provoked further Russian aggression against civilian populations.
Russian aggression, according to Merz, goes beyond territorial claims. He believes Putin is destabilizing a significant part of Germany. The meeting between Macron and Scholz took place at Macron's summer residence on Thursday.
The news comes as a clear message from Germany and France to Russia, emphasising the need for a firm stance against Russian aggression and a commitment to upholding international law and agreements.
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