**German Leader Criticizes Trump’s Ukraine Statements**
Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s opposition, has strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about Ukraine. Merz called Trump’s statements “shocking” and said they align with Russian narratives.
Trump has made false claims about Ukraine in recent days, including calling President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator.” Trump also accused Zelensky of refusing to hold elections, ignoring the fact that Ukraine’s constitution prohibits elections under martial law.
Merz described Trump’s comments as a “classic substitution of the criminal for the victim.” The criticism comes at a time when tensions between Kyiv and Washington are escalating after U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh on February 18. Neither Ukraine nor Europe were represented at the talks.
**Ukraine Needs Stronger Support**
Merz stressed that Europe must not passively seek a seat at the negotiations but rather assert its influence through diplomatic efforts. “We have to agree on a common strategy very, very quickly,” he said.
As the chancellor candidate for Germany’s conservative CDU/CSU alliance in the upcoming February 23 elections, Merz has been a vocal critic of incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Ukraine policy. He has urged the government to provide Kyiv with long-range Taurus missiles and accused Scholz of being too hesitant in supporting Ukraine.
**Escalating War**
Russian strikes have repeatedly hit Ukraine’s gas infrastructure over the course of the war, reducing production by as much as 40% at certain periods following an attack. The conflict has also had a significant impact on Ukraine’s economy, with some projections suggesting that between 1.7 and 2.7 million Ukrainians may permanently remain abroad.
**Other Developments**
The EU is looking to develop renewable energy faster to reduce its overall dependence on fuel, according to EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen. Some 53% of Danes are in favor of sending peacekeepers into Ukraine after the war ends, according to a poll published by Ritzau news agency.
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