Overview

• A group of prominent SPD figures led by Ralf Stegner and Norbert Walter-Borjans published a manifesto calling for direct diplomatic talks with Russia and a halt to new US missile deployments in Germany.
• Defense Minister Boris Pistorius denounced the document as “reality denial,” warning that premature peace overtures would leave Ukraine exposed to further Russian aggression.
• Chancellor Merz emphasized that CDU, CSU and SPD remain fully aligned in their assessment of the Ukraine war and in the necessity of supporting Kyiv’s defense.
• Russia has intensified its drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, deploying hundreds of Shahed drones alongside Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and cruise rockets.
• On arrival in Kyiv, Pistorius will discuss expanded air defense capabilities and coordinate additional German and British military assistance with Ukrainian officials.