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“Putin Miscalculated,” Chancellor Merz Vows Germany Will Not Be Intimidated
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![Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk]( "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
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During a speech in the Bundestag, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced a comprehensive action plan to counter Russia’s hybrid warfare, addressing threats like sabotage, espionage, cyberattacks, and disinformation, Tagesschau reported on October 16.
German National Security Council is set discuss this plan in the coming days.
Merz accused Russia of attempting to destabilize Germany and Europe, noting the hybrid tactics aimed at creating uncertainty, including actions within Germany’s political spectrum.
He stated that Russian leader Vladimir Putin miscalculated, and Germany would not be intimidated by these efforts, Tagesschau writes.
“Germany will fend off the offensive of uncertainty launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin,” Merz said. “Putin miscalculated,” he continued. “We won’t allow ourselves to be intimidated. We will defend ourselves against it.”
Merz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense and called for greater pressure on Russia to negotiate peace.
He also proposed using Russia’s frozen central bank assets to provide Ukraine with €163 billion in interest-free loans for military equipment, with repayment contingent on Russia paying reparations, according to Tagesschau.
Previously it was reported that Ukraine and Germany have bolstered their defense industry cooperation with a new agreement, signed by Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Smyhal and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
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