Merkel called Russia a European country

Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Friedrich Merz stated in an interview that Russia is a European country and expressed hope for the restoration of relations between the two countries. According to Merz, strengthening dialogue and mutual understanding could become the basis for further cooperation.

Context

In recent years, Germany has renewed its efforts to engage in dialogue with Russia after relations deteriorated in 2014 as a consequence of the crisis in Ukraine and subsequent sanctions.