Friedrich Merz, candidate for Chancellor of Germany from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said that he would be ready to issue Russia a 24-hour ultimatum. He also said that he could talk to the Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"If there is a reason for this and an agreement is reached among European and transatlantic partners, then, of course, yes, I will call him," Friedrich Merz said.
According to Merz, he will demand hostilities in Ukraine to end. Moscow will be given 24 hours to do this. If the ultimatum is not fulfilled, Merz will transfer Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv and lift the ban on long-range strikes deep into Russian territory.
Friedrich Merz does not consider the transfer of Taurus missiles to Ukraine to be Germany's involvement in the conflict. In this position, he stands up against Bundestag member Sahra Wagenknecht, who opposes arms supplies to Ukraine and believes that peace in Ukraine can be achieved through diplomacy.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is to face vote of confidence on December 16.