German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv for the first time today. He emphasized that the West, including the U.S., is prepared to respond strongly to any anti-peace decisions by the Kremlin, stating, "The ball is now in the court of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin." Merz elaborated, "Should there be a refusal, significant strengthening of sanctions and extensive support for Ukraine — political, financial, and military — will follow." This stance is reportedly supported by U.S. President