Merz urges Putin to end Ukraine war: 'Weapons must fall silent first'

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during a surprise visit to Kyiv on Sunday, urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, calling it a "senseless war" and stating that "war crimes are committed daily" there. Merz declared that Germany is ready to discuss ending the conflict, but insisted that "the weapons must first fall silent" and that the "barbaric attacks" on Ukraine must cease. He also announced new military aid worth 1 billion euros and an energy support package for Ukraine. The chancellor arrived by train with Economy Minister Katharina Reiche and a delegation of defense and energy company executives, describing the visit as a gesture of support for the country invaded by Russia.