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German opposition leader Merz arrives in Kyiv

by Martin Fornusek December 9, 2024 10:02 AM 1 min read

Friedrich Merz (R), the head of the German opposition CDU party, arriving in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Dec. 9, 2024. (Friedrich Merz/X)

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Friedrich Merz, a German chancellor candidate of the opposition conservative CDU/CSU alliance, arrived in Kyiv on Dec. 9, Deutsche Welle reported.

"The purpose of my visit is to learn about the current state of defense in the country," Merz said upon arrival.

"I am looking forward to a meeting with President (Volodymyr Zelensky) again."

Merz, who has criticized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his supposedly hesitant approach in backing Ukraine, is leading the polls ahead of the snap elections in February.

The conservative politician has called for issuing an ultimatum for Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease his aggression. Otherwise, the West would lift all restrictions on long-range strikes, and Berlin would supply the Taurus missiles to Ukraine, Merz suggested.

Scholz has rejected providing Ukraine with the Taurus system — cruise missiles with a range of 500 kilometers (310 miles) — fearing it would draw Germany into war.

Berlin is Ukraine's second-largest military donor after the U.S., and its importance may yet grow as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump recently signaled Kyiv should brace for decreased American support.

Author: Martin Fornusek

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