Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's largest opposition party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has declared his readiness to issue an ultimatum to Russia if he becomes Chancellor of Germany. In an interview with the German publication Stern, Merz said that if he comes to power, he will raise the issue of ending hostilities in Ukraine with the Russian leadership, having secured the support of EU and NATO allies.

The politician added that he would give the Russian side only 24 hours to comply with the ultimatum. Otherwise, he expressed his readiness to sanction the delivery of German Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine and to allow the use of these weapons to strike Russian territory.

These statements are at odds with the current position of the current German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has repeatedly expressed caution regarding the supply of long-range weapons, fearing that this could lead to Germany being directly involved in the conflict. Scholz also emphasizes the need for a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Ukraine, insisting on negotiations with Russia to achieve peace.

Merz's position has sparked a wave of discussions in German society and among political observers. Some experts believe that Merz's statement is an attempt to attract supporters of a tougher German foreign policy toward Russia.