I’ll Issue Putin an Ultimatum—End the War In 24 Hours or I’ll Supply Ukraine With Taurus Missiles, Says German Chancellor Candidate Merz

Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union—one of Germany’s largest political parties—and a candidate for chancellor, has announced his intent to issue an ultimatum to Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Merz stated that, if elected, he would push for a 24-hour deadline for Russia to end the war. Should this demand go unmet, he would advocate delivering Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine, potentially enabling strikes on Russian territory.

“Scholz absolutely refuses to deliver the Taurus missiles, even though a majority in the Bundestag sees it differently. I am open to it and have suggested giving the government in Kyiv the right to say: If the bombing of civilians does not stop within 24 hours, the range restrictions on the available weapons will be jointly lifted. If that’s not enough, the Taurus missiles will be delivered a week later. This would allow Ukraine to regain the initiative,” stated Merz.

Merz also expressed the belief that Germany has yet to clearly define its national interests, a position he intends to change.

“The Americans are much more aggressive. It shouldn’t be that only one side wins, we need to make agreements that are favourable to both sides. Trump would call it a deal,” Merz explained, referring to US President-elect Donald Trump.

Ukraine has long advocated for Taurus missiles to strengthen its defense capabilities, including the potential for strikes within Russian territory. However, Germany’s current government has so far declined, citing concerns over escalation.