Putin's actions put Germany in conflict with Russia, warns Merz
Photo: Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
Russia has recently been destabilizing large parts of Germany, including its infrastructure, putting Moscow in direct conflict with Berlin.
This was stated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, according to LCI.
"(Russian dictator Vladimir – ed.) Putin is destabilizing much of our country. He is interfering everywhere. That’s why we are already in conflict with Russia," the German chancellor said.
He also emphasized that Putin is unwilling to act according to widely accepted international law.
"Putin no longer respects any international agreements. In this new world, we face heads of state who are no longer willing to follow common rules of international law. It’s not just Putin. The same applies to Xi Jinping in China. The same goes for North Korea," Merz added.
The German chancellor also stressed that civilized countries will have to contend with Putin’s regime in Russia for many years.
"We all hope that one day we will be good neighbors with Russians again. But, unfortunately, today we are very, very far from that. I would say that we must say 'no' to this Putin regime and everything connected to it — oligarchs, this kleptocracy that has seized the state. I think we will face this authoritarian regime for many years to come."
Germany strengthens armed forces amid Russia threat
In July, Merz's government approved a bill aimed at speeding up military planning and procurement. This is part of the ruling coalition’s efforts to quickly transform the Bundeswehr into the strongest army in Europe.
Earlier, Germany also decided to adjust constitutionally mandated debt limits to allow for higher defense spending.
Additionally, reports indicate that Germany is preparing a bill on military service that could reintroduce mandatory conscription, aiming to increase the army's size in response to threats from Russia.
