Russia committed ‘war crime’ in Sumy

Friedrich Merz, Germany’s incoming chancellor set to take office in May, has condemned Russia's bombing of the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, calling it a "perfidious act" and a "grave, deliberate, and intentional war crime."

Speaking on his party’s ARD channel, Merz said: "There were two waves of attacks, with the second strike hitting as rescuers were tending to the victims."

"This is the response — this is what Putin does to those who try to negotiate a ceasefire with him. Our willingness to talk is not seen as a serious offer for peace, but rather as a sign of weakness," he added.

Merz, who won the legislative elections in February, has set himself apart from outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz by advocating for greater military support to Ukraine, including the delivery of Taurus missiles capable of striking targets deep inside Russian territory.

"I have always said that I would only do so in coordination with our European partners," Merz clarified on Sunday.

(QG - Source: Le Monde - Picture : © Unsplash)