
Ukraine must win the war against Russia and restore its territorial integrity, said Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s opposition, head of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), and the leading candidate to become the next chancellor.
“Victory means the restoration of territorial integrity with a democratically legitimate government exercising its own state sovereignty,” Merz said at an event in Berlin on Jan. 23, as reported by Der Spiegel.
According to the politician, ending Russia’s war against Ukraine would be a strategic priority if elected chancellor later in February when an early vote will be held. Merz also promised continued support for Ukraine.
“Ukraine has the right to freely choose its political and military alliances,” he said.
At the same time, Merz refrained from making direct comments on the controversy surrounding a potential €3 billion aid package that Berlin has pledged for further arms supplies to Kyiv.
During his visit to Kyiv in December, the politician stated that he would provide Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles if he wins the election.
The government coalition in Germany collapsed in November after Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner. This stripped the ruling coalition of its majority in the Bundestag legislature. Early elections are likely to be held on Feb. 23, Bloomberg reports.
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