Friedrich Merz has plunged into diplomatic efforts to try to secure a ceasefire and keep Western support for Ukraine intact since becoming Germany’s leader nearly three weeks ago.

Merz did not mention Taurus cruise missiles in his announcement, casting fresh mystery on the practical implications of the apparent policy shift.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is travelling to Finland on Monday to attend a summit of Nordic leaders. The main topics of discussion are set to be the defence of the NATO alliance in light of the growing threat from Russia and economic cooperation.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Ukraine’s allies decided several months ago to drop restrictions on the use of the weapons they’ve provided to allow Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russia.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is 'aware' of criticism over a gender imbalance in his Cabinet, a government spokesman said on Friday. "You can assume that we are aware of the composition," deputy government spokesman Sebastian Hille said in Berlin.