Why Germany's Merz softened his stance on Russia

ura.news (Russian) —

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during a visit to Kyiv, directly addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating Germany's readiness to discuss ending the conflict in Ukraine, a shift from his previously harsher stance toward Moscow. Despite the diplomatic overture, Berlin reaffirmed its support for Ukraine, announcing a new aid package exceeding €1.3 billion and signing agreements worth over €8.5 billion. Merz also plans a winter meeting of the "coalition of the willing" in Berlin. Merz's softened rhetoric comes amid his falling approval ratings and coalition tensions. His predecessor Olaf Scholz similarly evolved from a hardline position to initiating a direct phone call with Putin in November 2024 after a two-year pause.


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