Merz's CDU alliance, currently leading in polls by over 10% points, positions itself as a staunch supporter of Ukraine's military needs. "We want your army to be capable of hitting military bases in Russia. Not the civilian population, not infrastructure, but the military targets from which your country is being attacked," Merz said. His comments reflect growing frustration in Kyiv over Germany's cautious stance, which Chancellor Olaf Scholz defends as necessary to avoid escalating tensions with Russia.Scholz, who recently visited Kyiv himself, portrays his approach as measured and aimed at avoiding actions that could be perceived as direct German involvement in the war. He has resisted calls to supply Taurus missiles, citing risks of escalation and nuclear retaliation. Germany remains a major financial and military supporter of Ukraine and hosts over a million Ukrainian refugees.