**German Chancellor Candidate Criticizes Country’s Arms Policy**
Friedrich Merz, the leading contender to become Germany‘s next chancellor, visited Kyiv on December 9 and criticized his country’s arms policy. He compared it to forcing Ukraine to fight with one hand tied behind its back.
During a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Merz condemned the German government’s hesitation to provide long-range weaponry like Taurus cruise missiles. He said that Germany wants Ukraine’s army to be able to hit military bases in Russia, but not civilian population or infrastructure.
Merz’s comments reflect growing frustration in Kyiv over Germany’s cautious stance on providing arms to Ukraine. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has defended this approach as necessary to avoid escalating tensions with Russia.
**Ukraine Seeks Enhanced Military Aid**
President Zelensky thanked both German leaders for their visits and continued support, but echoed Merz’s sentiment on the need for enhanced military aid. He said that Putin doesn’t want to end the war and can only be forced if Ukraine is strong.
The US State Department also expressed support for Ukraine, with spokesperson Matthew Miller saying that the US will provide training and equipment to Ukrainian forces.
**Other Developments**
Russia has transferred the bodies of Ukrainian prisoners of war who died in a plane crash over Russia’s Belgorod Oblast in January. Ukraine may consider deploying European peacekeepers on its territory, but only after getting a clear understanding of the NATO membership timeline.
Russian President Vladimir Putin should seek an end to the war as he lost 700,000 people to hostilities, US President-elect Donald Trump said.
Syrian opposition fighters have taken control of the Latakia province, where Russian military facilities are based.