Sigma Live

Mertz: Putin's Russia Has Reached the Deepest Level of Barbarism

Published February 23, 2026, 14:07
Mertz: Putin's Russia Has Reached the Deepest Level of Barbarism

German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz accused Putin's Russia of “barbarism” on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He stressed that Russia is not winning the war, despite the propaganda, and that the Russian economy is being hit by sanctions. Despite Hungary's veto on the adoption of new sanctions, Mertz called on European partners to continue supporting Ukraine, warning that the outcome of the war will have long-term effects on Europe.