Putin seeks to overturn political order in Europe — German Chancellor Merz

Friedrich Merz said this on German television channels ntv and RTL, according to DW.

He noted that the Russian dictator is waging a hybrid war against Germany and all of Europe.

“He is waging an information war against us. He is waging a war against Ukraine, and this war is directed against all of us,” Merz emphasized.

The German Chancellor explained why Europe and Germany support Ukraine. According to Merz, Putin seeks to “turn Europe’s political order upside down.”

“That is exactly why we support Ukraine,” Merz noted.

He said that defending the political order of open, free societies in Europe is in Germany’s interest. When asked if Putin is waging a war against Germany, Merz replied, “He is waging a hybrid war against us.”

Commenting on the increase in Russian airspace violations over European countries, Merz said he is aware of the threat and believes Putin aims to intimidate and spread fear.

The German Chancellor added that they will not allow themselves to be intimidated and will defend effectively against this threat, describing Russia as at least a tough adversary and an enemy of their political order.

When asked if he had considered calling Putin, the Chancellor added that he certainly thinks about it but sees that any attempt to talk to him now would only result in even harsher attacks on Ukraine.