The frontrunner for Germany’s chancellorship believes that good relations with Russia must be established in the future

Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the frontrunner for the position of German Chancellor, has stated that it is necessary to establish good relations with Russia in the future.

The CDU/CSU candidate made this remark during a campaign event in Halle, as reported by DPA.

According to Merz, Russia is historically and culturally a European country.

“One day, a serious effort will have to be made to restore good relations with Russia,” the politician said.

At the same time, he emphasized that Germany must currently focus on protecting itself if it wants to preserve what it understands as a “free and democratic society.”

Merz also added that Germany must take on a more active leadership role within the European Union and strengthen its defense capabilities.

Earlier, media reports suggested that as discussions about the potential end of the war in Ukraine intensify, Europe is already considering resuming large-scale purchases of Russian gas.