Merz: US-Russia oil agreement is 'off the table' for Germany – 'We stand by Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has rejected the prospect of a US-Russia oil agreement, emphasizing that Germany continues to stand with Ukraine despite ongoing energy attacks. Beyond foreign policy, Merz announced the CDU's proposal to reduce electricity taxes to the EU minimum to ease the burden on citizens and stimulate economic growth. Addressing internal party concerns, he reaffirmed that the CDU will not support the election of far-right AfD officials to state offices and stressed the need for the party to regain public trust.