**Germany‘s Chancellor Criticizes Rival’s Plan to Threaten Russia**
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has attacked his main election rival, Friedrich Merz, for proposing a 24-hour ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The proposal was to stop attacks on Ukrainian civilians or face Germany supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles.
**Scholz Warns of National Security Risk**
Scholz said that Merz’s plan would put national security at risk. He warned that if Putin did not comply, Germany would fire missiles deep into Russia. Scholz also criticized the fact that Western allies have already supplied Ukraine with similar long-range missiles.
**Merz Leading in Polls**
Merz is currently leading in polls just three months before the election. However, Scholz’s criticism may affect his chances of winning.
**Changes in Ukrainian Military**
In related news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made changes to the country’s military leadership. He replaced the Ground Forces commander with General Mykhailo Drapatyi and appointed Oleh Apostol as deputy commander-in-chief.
**Zelenskyy Open to Ceding Territory**
Zelenskyy also indicated that he is open to temporarily ceding territory to Russia in exchange for NATO membership covering Ukraine’s remaining territory. This suggests that lost eastern regions could be recovered through diplomatic negotiations after a ceasefire.
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