Angela Merkel,  former chancellor of Germany, has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and expressed solidarity with the country.

“This war of aggression by Russia marks a profound turning point in the history of Europe after the end of the Cold War,’’ Ms Merkel said in response to dpa’s request for comment.

“There is no justification whatsoever for this blatant breach of international law, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

“My thoughts and my solidarity are with the Ukrainian people and the government led by President Volodymyr Zelensky in these frightful hours and days,’’ she said.

She stressed, voicing her complete support for efforts by the EU, NATO, the UN and the G7 in their efforts towards putting a swift stop to the war.

Ms Merkel was in office as German chancellor in 2014 when Russia annexed the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea.

At that time, she had emphasised the importance of keeping communications open with Moscow.

However, she noted that this time was different because the latest attack targeted the whole of Ukraine. 

(dpa/NAN)