German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has shocked Europe with a dramatic U-turn on Russia, declaring Moscow a “profoundly European country” while pushing for renewed peace efforts in Ukraine. Speaking candidly, Merz admitted Germany faces its worst structural crisis in decades, but insisted Europe must rise with unity and independence in trade, security, and diplomacy. He praised “the greatest diplomatic efforts in weeks” to restore peace while warning of a long, uncertain path ahead. Has Merz shifted Germany’s Russia stance for good—or is this a tactical play in Europe’s survival game?