Merz accuses Putin of war crimes
The Ukrainian city of Sumy saw one of the heaviest Russian airstrikes yet. The likely future Federal Chancellor Merz chooses strong words.
Berlin (dpa) – Incoming Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of serious war crimes following the missile strike against the city of Sumy in north-east Ukraine. “There were two waves of attacks, and the second came when the helpers were tending to the victims. This is the height of perfidy. And that is deliberately and intentionally a serious war crime,” said Merz in a television interview.
More than 30 people, including children, were killed in the Russian air strike with ballistic missiles against Sumy on Palm Sunday. More than 100 civilians were injured.
Merz went on to say: “I say to all those who naively call on Putin in Germany to come to the conference table: that is his answer. That’s what Putin does to those who talk to him about a ceasefire.”
The CDU leader said once again that he was open to supplying Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. Merz added that this would require coordination with European partners. “And if there is a vote on it, then Germany should participate.”