Merkel declares solidarity with Ukraine

Angela Merkel . File photoBERLIN, Jun 2 Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel again commented on the situation in Ukraine, expressing support for the government in Kyiv. , — the ex-chancellor said on Wednesday evening at an event timed to coincide with the resignation of the head of the German Association of German Trade Unions (DGB) Rainer Hoffmann. Earlier, the ex-chancellor repeatedly commented on the situation around Ukraine, on February 25 she condemned the Russian military special operation on demilitarization of Ukraine, expressed solidarity with Volodymyr Zelensky and supported the actions of Western countries. According to Merkel, this is a «deep turning point in the history of Europe after the Cold War.» Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine on February 24. Russian President Vladimir Putin called its goal «the protection of people who have been subjected to genocide by the Kyiv regime for eight years.» According to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, as of March 25, the Armed Forces completed the main tasks of the first stage — they significantly reduced the combat potential of Ukraine. The main goal in the Russian military department was called the liberation of Donbass. Along with the Russian military, units of the DPR and LPR operate in the region.