Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Donald Trump's diesel deal with Russia would be "out of the question" for Germany and the European Union. This statement comes amid a significant resignation within the ruling coalition. On October 12, Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the need for a mutual ceasefire regarding attacks on energy infrastructure. German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius reported that Zelenskyy informed Merz about recent Russian attacks on civilian targets and energy facilities in Ukraine. Merz reaffirmed Germany's solidarity with Ukraine.
Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to an energy ceasefire effective "immediately," but Ukrainian authorities reported ongoing strikes on the power grid in Kyiv and Kharkiv.
The resignation of Bärbel Bas as Labor Minister and co-chair of the Social Democratic Party has led to tensions within Merz's coalition government. In Cologne, police are investigating an incident involving a remote-controlled robot that allegedly harassed a 16-year-old girl. The robot, owned by a 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old companion, was reportedly used to film the incident live online.
In Schleswig, local politicians inaugurated a new pedestrian bridge at the UNESCO heritage site of Hedeby and Danevirke, linking historical defenses from the 11th century.
Germany is deploying three Tornado fighter jets to Italy for NATO's annual nuclear deterrence exercise, Steadfast Noon, which begins on Tuesday. The exercise is routine and not directed against any specific country.
Merz criticized Trump's agreement to import Russian diesel, advocating for tougher sanctions on Moscow. He emphasized that Russia would only negotiate seriously under pressure and called for further sanctions in light of Russian attacks on Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure.
Zelenskyy expressed surprise at Trump's announcement of a ceasefire, which the Kremlin has not confirmed. Merz reiterated Germany's support for Ukraine and indicated that discussions on achieving a lasting peace would take place at the upcoming EU summit.
In tennis news, Alexander Zverev is set to claim the top spot in the men's singles rankings following Carlos Alcaraz's defeat in Shanghai. Zverev, at 29, will be the oldest player to achieve this ranking for the first time in his career.
The Social Democrats (SPD) have initiated coalition talks with the Greens and the Left party in Mecklenburg-Lower Pomerania after the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won the state election but failed to form a government.
Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil canceled a planned trip to India to focus on a new vote for party leadership following Bas's resignation. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul praised the EU's sanctions against Russia, which target 1,600 individuals and businesses related to the war effort.
Philippe Sands received the Peace Prize at the Frankfurt Book Fair, where he criticized Germany's response to Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank. A 14-year-old boy was seriously injured in Cologne while attempting to "trainsurf," highlighting concerns about dangerous social media trends. Bavarian leader Markus Söder commented on recent electoral developments involving the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt.