German Chancellor Friedrich Merz accused Putin of waging a “hybrid war” against Germany, saying Russia’s campaign extends beyond Ukraine to target the whole of Europe.
“Putin is waging an information war against Germany, while he is waging a military war against Ukraine, and that war is directed against all of us,” Merz said.
He added that Putin is undermining Europe’s political order and that supporting Ukraine is in Germany’s interest to defend open, liberal societies.
In response to a question, Merz pointed the finger at Putin, saying, "He is waging a hybrid war against us."
He said the recent drone incursions reported across several EU countries are Russian intimidation efforts, adding, "We will not be intimidated, and we will defend ourselves effectively."
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While expressing willingness to engage in direct talks with Putin, Merz noted that "every attempt to talk to him at the moment is ending in even tougher attacks on Ukraine."
Meanwhile, the Russian side has consistently rejected the claims of sending drones to EU nations as false and fabricated. The Kremlin has also said the allegations are senseless propaganda aimed at tarnishing Russia’s image.
Reports were further confirmed by the inquiry team investigating Poland’s airspace violations, which found no evidence of Russian drones entering Warsaw.
Merz added that he had a heated exchange with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at last week's EU meeting in Copenhagen after Orbán accused Germany of avoiding negotiations.
The war between Russia and Ukraine has intensified in recent weeks, as the US announced its support for the Ukrainian military, while Russia responded with severe drone and missile strikes on Kyiv in response to US threats.
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