Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine, announcing her support for current Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s efforts to dissuade President Vladimir Putin.
Merkel stated today in Berlin: "This Russian offensive war represents a radical turning point in Europe’s history after the end of the Cold War. There is absolutely no justification for this blatant violation of international law, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms."
She added, "My heart and solidarity are with the Ukrainian people and the government led by President Zelensky during these difficult hours and days," expressing her support for the German government's efforts, in cooperation with the European Union, the United States, Germany’s partners in the G7, NATO, and the United Nations, "to stop this offensive war being waged by Russia and to curb President Putin as soon as possible."
The former chancellor explicitly stated that Russia's new attack "on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of this independent state" affects all of Ukraine this time. It is noteworthy that in 2014, when Russia occupied the Ukrainian Crimea, Merkel emphasized keeping communication channels with Putin open.
