Moscow accuses Merz of trying to force Ukraine ‘to continue fighting’

Russia has accused the German government of warmongering over its promise of further support for Ukraine, after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Berlin and Kiev are aiming to jointly produce long-range weapons.

Commenting on the statement made following a meeting between Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin on Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused the German leader of further fuelling the war with his remarks.

“This is nothing more than an attempt to force the Ukrainians to continue fighting,” he said, accusing Berlin of torpedoing efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Merz said the German and Ukrainian defence ministers are to sign a letter of intent on the “procurement of long-range weapons systems from Ukrainian production.”

The chancellor said the move represents “the start of a new form of military-industrial cooperation between [the two] countries, which has great potential.”

Peskov criticized the assurances made by Merz, saying he hoped that Berlin’s stance didn’t prevent peace in Ukraine.

He also accused Berlin of competing with Paris over the role of most dangerous warmonger.