BERLIN: Germany鈥檚 chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz said Sunday that Russia committed a 鈥渟erious war crime鈥� in its missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which killed at least 34 people.
鈥淚t was a perfidious act.. and it is a serious war crime, deliberate and intended,鈥� he said in comments to broadcaster ARD.
鈥淭here are two waves of attacks, and the second arrived as emergency workers were taking care of the victims,鈥� said Merz.
鈥淭hat is the response, that is what (Russian President Vladimir) Putin does to those who talk with him of a ceasefire,鈥� he added.
鈥淥ur willingness to discuss with him is interpreted not as a serious offer to make peace, but as weakness,鈥� said Merz.
Two ballistic missiles hit the northeastern city on Sunday morning. Two children were among the dead, authorities said.
While Germany鈥檚 outgoing chancellor Otto Scholz has refused to supply Kyiv with Taurus missiles capable of striking inside Russia, Merz has said he is open to the idea.
鈥淚 have always said that I would only do it in agreement with European partners,鈥� he told ARD.
鈥淚t must be coordinated and if it is coordinated, then Germany should participate,鈥� he added.