The Chancellor has repeatedly pointed out in recent days,"that a pattern has emerged in the Russian president's actions and that phone calls are usually accompanied by even more serious attacks," Cornelius pointed out.

"What happened last night has confirmed or reinforced this impression," the spokesman added.

On Thursday, the US president and the Russian dictator had a phone call. This was followed by Russia's attack on Ukraine with more than 500 drones and missiles.

The main target of the strike was the capital, Kiev, where, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko, 23 people were injured.

Merz also had a telephone conversation with Trump on Thursday, government sources confirmed to the DPA news agency.

Spiegel magazine reports that strengthening Ukraine's air defenses and trade issues were discussed during the conversation.

The massive attacks on Ukraine after the phone call between Putin and Trump speak for themselves, Cornelius pointed out.

He expressed hope that it would facilitate"the adoption of a decision on the attitude towards Russia, especially on sanctions issues."