Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's conservative opposition and favorite to be the next chancellor, visited Kiev to express his support for Ukraine. This is his second visit to the country since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, BTA quoted.
„If support for Ukraine weakens, the war will last longer. However, if it is strengthened, the war will end faster”, said Mertz after arriving by train in the Ukrainian capital.
Mertz met with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to discuss how Germany can help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression. The question of the provision of cruise missiles “Taurus“ remains key, especially since the current German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, refuses to give his consent due to fears of an escalation of the conflict.
„We want this war to end as soon as possible and peace in Europe to be restored. This requires Ukraine to have the necessary means of self-defense, Mertz said, without specifically mentioning the Taurus missiles.
The visit of the leader of the Christian Democratic Union comes at a time when the Ukrainian army is facing serious challenges – exhaustion after nearly three years of war and loss of territory on the front line. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin is stepping up attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure as winter approaches.
The war in Ukraine is expected to be a leading issue in the German election campaign. If Mertz wins the election on February 23, the new government is expected to approve the supply of long-range weapons, which Zelensky strongly hopes will happen.
Mertz's visit comes a week after current Chancellor Scholz's first visit to Kiev in two years, underscoring the heightened political focus on the war and its implications for Europe.