German Chancellor Merz urges Putin to halt civilian attacks during Kyiv visit

Friedrich Merz arrived unexpectedly in Kyiv and used the occasion to address the Russian leadership directly, urging President Vladimir Putin to cease the relentless attacks on civilian targets. He described the strikes as daily war crimes and stressed Germany’s willingness to engage in dialogue to end the war. The comments were delivered while inspecting the heavily damaged historic premises of the National Academy of Sciences, a site hit by a Russian jet drone the previous day, resulting in two fatalities.

Merz highlighted the need for a shift in Russia’s course and called for an end to the barbaric assaults. Back in Berlin, he noted that internal coalition disputes over reform plans continue, but he appealed to his partners for cohesion. The visit underscores Germany’s diplomatic push amid the ongoing conflict.