Berlin Stands Firm: Merz Rules Out Lifting Sanctions on Russian Energy

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz believes that sanctions against Russia should not be softened because of rising energy prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East. At a press conference in Berlin with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, he explained that for Germany there is no dilemma between lifting restrictions and supporting Ukraine, TASS reports. According to Merz, Germany firmly stands on the side of Kyiv and is prepared to go through this difficult period. He also stressed that assistance to Ukraine must not be halted.