'Mr Putin, stop this senseless war': Merz sends a blunt message from Kyiv
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (photo: Getty Images)
During his visit to Kyiv on October 4, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to immediately stop attacks on civilians and end the war against Ukraine, according to DPA.
Standing near the damaged National Academy of Sciences building in Kyiv, the German chancellor addressed Putin directly, urging him to stop the fighting and move toward negotiations.
"Mr Putin, stop this senseless war! We are ready for talks, we are ready to speak with one another about ending this war. But these barbaric attacks on the civilian population of Ukraine must stop," Merz said.
He stressed that any negotiations are possible only after the weapons fall silent, and described Russia's systematic attacks on civilian facilities and infrastructure in Ukraine as war crimes.
Friedrich Merz visited the National Academy of Sciences accompanied by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The academy building was hit by a Russian drone in broad daylight. The strike and subsequent fire completely destroyed two floors of the historic building.
The attack also killed one woman and injured about six other people.
The visit took place amid the continued threat of further strikes. During the German delegation's stay in the city, air raid alerts were sounded repeatedly over the threat of enemy drones, while a strike on a bridge in the northern part of the capital was reported in the morning.
The German chancellor noted that Russia is striking Ukrainian infrastructure every day ahead of the winter season.
According to Merz, these actions are aimed at the civilian population, which is why Germany continues to call for an immediate end to Russian aggression.
As reported, on Sunday, October 4, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit. It was his first trip to the Ukrainian capital since taking office as head of the German government.
During his visit, the politician inspected the aftermath of Russian strikes and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Media reports that the German chancellor's main objective was to discuss a multibillion-dollar aid package and expand weapons production, including a joint agreement on drone production.
