On October 4, 2026, in Kyiv, the city's mayor Friedrich Merz urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. He emphasized that they are ready for negotiations, but only on the condition that hostilities cease.
Call for Negotiations
Merz, speaking near the damaged building of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, highlighted the absurdity of the war, particularly following the recent attack on the academy, which occurred in the heart of Kyiv, close to the German embassy. He noted that such actions only confirm the urgent need for an end to hostilities.
War Crimes and Air Raids
Merz also pointed out the ongoing air raid alerts in Kyiv, which occur even on peaceful days. He stated that war crimes are committed in Ukraine daily and called on the international community to pay attention to these events:
- Attack on the Academy of Sciences in Kyiv.
- Air raid alerts in the city.
- Barbaric attacks on the civilian population.
Demand to Russia
In his address, Merz stated: "I again call on the Russian leadership: end this war! We can negotiate, but only when the guns fall silent." This appeal reflects the Ukrainian side's concern for the safety of civilians and the need for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.