Merz calls on Putin to halt fighting in Ukraine for Christmas
DPA
Mon, December 15, 2025 at 6:55 PM UTC
2 min read
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the fighting in Ukraine over Christmas.
"Perhaps the Russian leadership has a shred of human decency left and will at least leave the population in peace from this terror for a few days over Christmas," Merz said in Berlin on Monday evening at a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Evidently in response to Merz's remarks about human decency, Zelensky added, according to an official translation: "There are no such remnants [of decency], but anything is possible."
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Merz described the Russian attacks on kindergartens, hospitals and energy supplies as "terror against the civilian population." He added that perhaps a ceasefire over Christmas "could also be the beginning of reasonable, constructive talks on how lasting peace in Ukraine can be achieved."
When asked if he expected a ceasefire by Christmas, the German chancellor was cautious. "That now depends entirely on the Russian side," he said.
In Berlin, joint European, Ukrainian and US proposals had been developed during two days of negotiations, Merz said. These would now be presented to the Russian side.
"It is now solely up to Russia whether a ceasefire can be achieved by Christmas," Merz emphasized.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement