BERLIN

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday warned that diplomatic efforts with Russia are "not working at the moment" and that a greater focus should be placed on defending Ukraine.

“I myself, along with many others, am open to any form of dialogue, including talks with the Russian leadership. I have only one precondition: If we talk, at least the weapons must be silent,” Merz said at a political event in the central town of Volkmarsen.

According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin's response to diplomacy is attacks on children's hospitals, nursing homes, civilian infrastructure, and energy infrastructure.

“This shows that diplomacy cannot succeed at the moment. We must defend ourselves and we must protect Ukraine against aggression. That is the reality we live in today. Unfortunately, there is no other way,” he added.

The chancellor has repeatedly said that Russia’s war on Ukraine is “a threat to freedom and security” throughout Europe.