German Chancellor Candidate Merz Vows 24-Hour Ultimatum to Putin on Ukraine War
German chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz has pledged to give Russia a 24-hour ultimatum to cease its aggression against Ukraine if elected. He has not ruled out direct communication with Vladimir Putin, but insists that if Russia does not comply, he would authorize strikes on Russian territory and provide Ukraine with Taurus long-range cruise missiles. This stance contrasts with current Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has rejected supplying Taurus missiles and striking Russian territory. With Germany’s ruling coalition collapsing, early general elections are expected in March 2025, potentially setting the stage for a shift in German policy towards the Ukraine conflict.
John Q. Hosedrinker