Friedrich Merz accused Russia of attempting to destabilize the West and condemned the Russian air incursions in Poland and Romania.

In a parliamentary debate, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz accused Vladimir Putin of crimes and of attempting to destabilize Western societies by testing limits and sabotage. Merz mentioned Russian incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace as part of a broader strategy. He dismissed the idea of a capitulation of Ukraine, warning that such a peace would encourage Russia to expand its aggression. His criticisms sparked reactions from the far-right opposition, which accused him of exaggeration. Merz also announced plans to develop external trade relations to support the German economy.