Merz: Ukraine faces humanitarian energy crisis amid intensified Russian attacks
Photo: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
Ukraine is currently "on the brink of a humanitarian energy crisis," while the Russian leadership is issuing orders to further intensify attacks, thereby destroying critical infrastructure.
This is stated in a letter from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to the leadership of the parliamentary factions of the CDU/CSU and the SPD, according to ZDF Heute.
The head of the German government addressed the coalition parties ahead of a meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing in Paris, stating that Ukraine is currently on the brink of a humanitarian energy crisis.
At the same time, Friedrich Merz argues that the Kremlin, specifically Vladimir Putin, is not seeking peace in the fourth winter of the war. On the contrary, he says, Moscow is ordering the most severe attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure.
In this context, the chancellor accuses the Russian leadership of war crimes.
He also notes that the German government is seeking to bring the war to an end. However, this would only be possible if Ukraine receives "real security guarantees" from the US and Europe this time.
Energy crisis in Ukraine
As is known, Ukrainians across the country are spending significant periods without electricity due to attacks by Russian forces and damage to energy infrastructure. Specialists are struggling to carry out repairs quickly, as restoring the system requires considerable time and resources.
In addition to power outages, which, for example, authorities in Kyiv and the surrounding region have warned will increase following recent strikes, residents periodically face disruptions to water supply and heating.
In some cases, attacks leave people without all basic utilities at once, including water, heating, and gas. Most recently, shelling in Zaporizhzhia Oblast left a number of settlements without water, gas, and electricity.
