German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned Russia's recent attacks on Ukraine, describing them as 'terror against the civilian population' and the most serious war crimes.

He accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilians with drones and cruise missiles, asserting that these actions are disproportionate compared to Ukraine's military strikes.

Merz made these statements during a press conference with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, highlighting a united front between Germany and the Netherlands against Russian aggression.

This condemnation comes in the wake of significant attack waves on Ukraine, including the largest nighttime drone assault on June 9, 2025, which involved 479 drones and 20 cruise missiles.

In a separate incident, the Ukrainian air force reported that overnight, Russia launched an attack with 315 drones, two North Korean ballistic missiles, and five cruise missiles, resulting in three deaths and numerous injuries.

In retaliation to Ukrainian drone strikes on military bases deep within Russia, Moscow announced further retaliatory measures.

In response to the escalating conflict, the German government plans to collaborate with its partners to intensify sanctions against Russia.

The European Commission has introduced its 18th sanctions package against Russia, which includes prohibiting transactions related to Russian gas pipelines and lowering the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel.

Merz emphasized the need for the U.S. to increase pressure on Moscow, echoing sentiments from Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte about Ukraine's role in ensuring European security.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for concrete actions from the U.S. and Europe in response to ongoing Russian bombardments, indicating a perceived failure of the international community to deter Russia.

Merz criticized Russia's choice to escalate conflict rather than pursue negotiations, reflecting the growing tensions and condemnation of Russia's military actions amid the ongoing conflict.

The arrest of Lev Chlosberg, a member of the opposition party Yabloko in Russia, for calling for a ceasefire in Ukraine highlights the regime's intolerance of dissenting voices.