Merz Accuses Putin of Murder, Warns Against Russian Destabilisation Efforts

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of murder and attempting to destabilise the West through sabotage, espionage, and border violations. Speaking during a heated parliamentary debate, Merz cited recent Russian incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace as part of a long-running campaign to test NATO’s limits.

Merz warned against any Ukrainian surrender, stressing that a “dictated peace” without freedom would embolden Moscow to pursue further aggression. He said Russia’s strategy was aimed at unsettling democratic societies, adding, “Putin has long been testing the borders, he is sabotaging. He is spying, he is murdering, he is trying to unsettle us.” The Kremlin has previously dismissed Merz’s remarks, rejecting allegations of war crimes and denying involvement in the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

The debate saw sharp exchanges with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Party leader Alice Weidel accused Merz of “posing as a global politician and warlord,” while Merz ally Jens Spahn hit back, calling Weidel a “fifth column” for Russia. The row highlights Germany’s deepening political divides over support for Ukraine as the war grinds on.

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