Merz Compared Putin to Hitler, Warning He ‘Won’t Stop’. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz compared Russian President Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler, warning that Moscow’s ambitions would not end with Ukraine. Speaking at a party conference, Merz said Putin, like Hitler in 1938, would continue expanding if not stopped, referencing the Sudetenland agreement. Merz warned that if Ukraine were to fall, Russia would push further, describing the conflict as an aggressive war not only against Ukraine but against Europe. He said Putin’s goal was a fundamental redrawing of Europe’s borders and the restoration of the former Soviet Union’s sphere of influence. Merz has worked closely with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to strengthen European support for Kyiv. German, British and French officials were reported to be discussing proposals to end the war ahead of a high-level meeting scheduled for Monday. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff was expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was also due to be received by Merz in Berlin. Merz made the remarks while addressing the Christian Social Union of Bavaria, a key ally of his Christian Democratic party.