Germany updates: Putin ready to talk with Germany's Merz – DW – 06/19/2025
Skip next section Putin warns Germany over Ukraine missiles, open to Merz talks
06/19/2025
June 19, 2025 Putin warns Germany over Ukraine missiles, open to Merz talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he's open to speaking with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, but has issued a stark warning over potential weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
Speaking to senior news agency editors, Putin said, "we are always open to this."
However, the Russian leader warned of "very serious damage" to German-Russian relations if Berlin decides to send Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.
Ahead of his election earlier this year, Merz expressed support for supplying Ukraine with Taurus long-range missiles, provided such action is coordinated with European allies.
The Taurus missiles would allow Ukraine to hit targets deep inside Russian territory.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said earlier this month that Germany is not considering delivering Taurus missiles.
Putin also said he did not consider Germany a neutral mediator when it came to the war in Ukraine.
"We consider the Federal Republic, just like many other European countries, not a neutral state, but as a party supporting Ukraine, and in some cases, perhaps, as accomplices in these hostilities," Putin said.
Is Germany's Merz backtracking on his support for Ukraine?
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