Frankfurt (Germany), 29 Sept. (LaPresse) – Russian bombardments of Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure are “war crimes that are taking place every day”. This was stated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a press conference in Berlin with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, whilst assuring that Germany would continue to support Kyiv, particularly in strengthening its air defences. “We must not delude ourselves: Russia will continue to bomb without scruples and will continue to destroy civilian infrastructure. These are war crimes that take place every day,” said Merz. The Chancellor explained that Berlin is engaged in “intensive consultations” with its European partners ahead of the forthcoming European Council meeting on 15 and 16 October to assess how to further strengthen aid. “We are also discussing very concrete financial aid for the Ukrainian budget. We are discussing how to make the most of all opportunities to improve air defence,” he said. Air defence currently represents “one of the greatest challenges” for Ukraine, Merz emphasised. “I am also engaging in personal talks with a number of heads of state and government around the world to facilitate further supplies for Ukraine’s air defence.” The aim, he added, is to help Kyiv prepare “including in terms of energy supplies, for the approaching winter”. “We will not be intimidated. We will continue to support Ukraine because we know one thing: Ukraine is part of Europe. And if Ukraine falls, then peace and freedom throughout Europe are in danger,” Merz stated. “I will do everything in my power to help this country, even through a winter that could be very, very difficult,” he concluded.
Ukraine, Merz: “Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure are war crimes”
Frankfurt (Germany), 29 Sept. (LaPresse) – Russian bombardments of Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure are “war crimes that are taking place every day”. This was stated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a press conference in Berlin with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, whilst assuring that Germany would continue to support Kyiv, particularly in strengthening its air defences. “We must not delude ourselves: Russia will continue to bomb without scruples and will continue to destroy civilian infrastructure. These are war crimes that take place every day,” said Merz. The Chancellor explained that Berlin is engaged in “intensive consultations” with its European partners ahead of the forthcoming European Council meeting on 15 and 16 October to assess how to further strengthen aid. “We are also discussing very concrete financial aid for the Ukrainian budget. We are discussing how to make the most of all opportunities to improve air defence,” he said. Air defence currently represents “one of the greatest challenges” for Ukraine, Merz emphasised. “I am also engaging in personal talks with a number of heads of state and government around the world to facilitate further supplies for Ukraine’s air defence.” The aim, he added, is to help Kyiv prepare “including in terms of energy supplies, for the approaching winter”. “We will not be intimidated. We will continue to support Ukraine because we know one thing: Ukraine is part of Europe. And if Ukraine falls, then peace and freedom throughout Europe are in danger,” Merz stated. “I will do everything in my power to help this country, even through a winter that could be very, very difficult,” he concluded.