The approaches of the chairman of the Christian Democratic Union, candidate for chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz towards Russia are specific and aggressive. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at a press conference following his visit to Qatar.

Conservative party leader Friedrich Merz is poised to become Germany's next chancellor. He's long been a transatlanticist, but has made clear he's no fan of US President Donald Trump.

Germany's Social Democrats (SPD) said on Wednesday they had agreed to start talks on a possible coalition with Friedrich Merz's conservatives but stressed their support was not automatic and hit out at his negotiating style.

The conservative party in Germany dominated elections during the weekend, with Friedrich Merz poised to become the nation's next chancellor.