German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz said Russia was seeking not only to defeat Ukraine, but also to destabilize Europe's political system. Accordingto Mertz, Russia and its allies are targeting not only Ukraine, but also the most important achievements formed after World War II. “Human rights, democracy, freedom and the rule of law,” the chancellor stressed, noting the values that were at risk. Mertz said he was particularly concerned about the underestimation of Russian influence on European societies. “My biggest concern is the underestimation of Russian influence on our societies. Russia is going the way of destabilizing the entire political order of our European continent, ”he said. According to the Chancellor, many people, including in Germany, still do not perceive this threat with sufficient seriousness. At the same time, European governments have already realized the seriousness of the situation and are implementing defense reforms to reduce their dependence on other countries and strengthen their own capabilities, he added. “We hear this alarm and try to take a position that will strengthen us sufficiently to be competitive and self-protective within NATO,” Mertz said.