Russia continues to terrorize the Ukrainian civilian population in response to a precise strike on military facilities, so it is necessary to increase pressure on the aggressor, who understands only the language of force.

This was stated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a joint briefing with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof in Berlin on June 10, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"We all want to send a clear signal, especially to Russia, a signal of strength and deterrence. Unfortunately, this is the only language that Moscow understands in these weeks and months," Merz said.

He added that this should also be a signal to Washington that Europe is a strong, reliable partner in the fight for freedom, peace and prosperity. Cooperation between Europe and the United States is urgently needed in light of Russia's recent attacks, the politician noted.

The recent heavy Russian attacks on Kyiv and other cities are again attacks on civilians, again, the most serious war crimes: not military targets, but terror against civilians. Russia mercilessly attacked civilians with numerous drones and cruise missiles. This was by no means a proportionate response to the very precise Ukrainian strikes on military air bases and infrastructure last week. Russia really wanted to make a bloodbath. The fact that it only succeeded to a very limited extent is solely due to the effective Ukrainian defense, the Chancellor emphasized.

He called it absolutely clear that Russia is escalating, not negotiating. Therefore, the German government, according to its chairman, will continue to work with its partners to provide assistance to Ukraine and increase sanctions pressure on Russia so that genuine ceasefire negotiations can begin.

The German Chancellor said he had been in close contact with the European Commission President for several days and urged her to quickly implement a sanctions package that would include further sanctions on the banking sector and the energy sector. However, Merz disagreed with claims that previous sanctions had achieved nothing.

"The sanctions have hit the Russian economy hard. The question of how long Russia can continue this war also depends on the effectiveness of the sanctions. That is why we, and I personally, are so keen to ensure that America also imposes sanctions now," Merz said, recalling that the American president is still thinking about it.

The Chancellor noted that during last week's talks in Washington, he had made his position very clear to both the US president and senators, hoping that together with the Americans it would now be possible to increase influence on Russia and put pressure on Putin in this way. However, the politician acknowledged that this could take quite a long time.

We must not weaken our efforts, neither in military support for Ukraine, nor in ensuring the implementation of these sanctions. And the stronger the sanctions, the sooner there will be a chance to stop this terrible war. Assessing the path we are taking, and which we have agreed on in the European Union, as well as with the Americans, I am absolutely sure that this path is the right one - that we are moving in such a way that we are ready for negotiations at any time, but at the same time, if these negotiations are rejected by the Russian side, then we will be ready to respond with military force and massive economic pressure on Russia, - Merz summed up.

In turn, Schoof stated that the Netherlands continues to relentlessly support Ukraine so that it can sit at the negotiating table with a strong position.

We continue to support Ukraine relentlessly so that the country can sit at the negotiating table with a strong position. And I would also like to express my great gratitude to Chancellor Merz, also for his leadership role in this. Secondly, we, as Europe, must do more for our own security. The urgency of building up our military power is felt throughout Europe, - said the Prime Minister of the Netherlands.

According to him, pressure is needed on Russia to force it to sit down at the negotiating table. We must continue this path so that Russia really sits down at the negotiating table so that negotiations can be held. In any case, first on a ceasefire, and then peace talks can take place. This is about Ukraine's struggle not only in the interests of Ukraine's security, but also in the interests of Europe's security, - noted Schoof.

He also expressed hope that decisive, and perhaps even historic, agreements will be reached. At the same time, he assured that the Netherlands, as the host country of the NATO summit, will continue to work tirelessly to achieve solutions that can be supported by all Allies. After all, unity is and remains the cornerstone of the Alliance, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands emphasized.

As reported, Russia has carried out the most powerful strikes on Ukrainian cities in recent days, calling it a response to the successful SBU operation"Website", which allowed Ukraine to disable dozens of aircraft that bombed Ukrainian territory. In particular, since the evening of June 9, the Russians have attacked Ukraine with 322 air attack vehicles.