Olaf Scholz’s remarks to German MPs on Wednesday came after Friedrich Merz, the leader of the opposition Christian Democrats (CDU) and contender for the post of chancellor, reiterated the pledge that should his party win the early federal elections expected in February, he would deliver Russia an
ultimatum ultimatum to stop hostilities against Ukraine.
If the Kremlin failed to respond to his satisfaction, Merz said he would provide Kyiv with Taurus missiles, which Germany manufactures jointly with Sweden, and lift limitations on the use of German-provided weapons against targets inside Russian territory.
“The German position should be that Ukraine can defend itself using all possible means,” Merz said, but added that he was open to the possibility of dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The CDU leader has been vocally criticizing Scholz’s administration for what he sees as holding back support for Ukraine.
Scholz, however, said he is “against the weapons provided by us being used to fire deep into Russian territory”.
Scholz nonetheless spoke in support of continuing assistance for Kyiv, adding: “There will be no decisions made without Ukraine.”
He was addressing the German parliament a week after the collapse of the governing coalition comprising his Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens and the liberal FDP.
The chancellor confirmed that a confidence vote for what remains of his cabinet would be held on December 16.
Merz, whose party is leading in the
polls but with insufficient support to govern independently, has ruled out the possibility of a coalition with the AfD party, saying that his grouping would never collaborate with the far-right.
