Germany's Merz Accuses Russia of War Crimes in Sumy Attack, Considers Taurus Missiles for Ukraine Amid Kremlin's Criticism

Germany's incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz has accused Russia of committing a 'serious war crime' following a missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which killed 34 civilians. The attack, carried out with Iskander missiles on Palm Sunday, underscores the ongoing conflict's devastating impact on civilian populations. Merz has expressed his readiness to supply Ukraine with Taurus missiles, a move that would mark a significant shift in Germany's military support policy. He emphasized that any decision to provide these long-range cruise missiles would be made in coordination with European partners, noting that other allies like the UK, France, and the US have already supplied similar weaponry. The Kremlin has responded critically to Merz's proposal, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov warning that it would lead to further escalation of the conflict. Peskov also criticized European capitals for not seeking peace negotiations, suggesting that their actions are instead fueling the continuation of the war. Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chair of Russia's Security Council, launched a sharp rebuke against Merz, invoking historical tensions by referring to Merz's father's service in Hitler's Wehrmacht. Medvedev's comments underscore the heightened geopolitical tensions between Russia and Germany over the Ukraine conflict, particularly in relation to the potential targeting of the Crimean Bridge.