Overview

• CDU Deputy Leader Michael Kretschmer's call to reassess sanctions on Russia has drawn criticism from both within the party and from the Greens and SPD.
• Greens leader Britta Haßelmann accuses CDU members of fostering a 'Moscow-Connection' and demands a clear stance from Friedrich Merz against pro-Russian positions.
• CDU foreign policy figure Roderich Kiesewetter urges exclusion of pro-Russian policies, such as Nord Stream 2 reactivation, from coalition agreements.
• US President Donald Trump has threatened Ukraine's Zelenskyj over renegotiating a rare earth deal and proposed sanctions on Russian oil buyers.
• Germany's coalition negotiations continue, with energy independence and defense policy dominating discussions influenced by shifting US foreign policy under Trump.