This same incrementalism runs through much of what Mr Merz says. Even if talks between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin lead to a ceasefire in Ukraine, Russia will remain an existential threat to Europe. Mr Merz and his fellow European leaders should be especially concerned that Mr Trump looks as if he means to negotiate over their heads.

MUNICH: Germany’s conservative election frontrunner Friedrich Merz pledged a stronger role for Berlin in the EU

Friedrich Merz, the conservative front-runner in next weekend's German elections, has said that Europe must be involved in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Merz was responding to US President Donald Trump's phone call this week with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

With just two weeks to go (Feb 23 rd ) will the German elections, a number of new, national polls underline the lead of the CDU (31%), with the AfD holding second