German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday described Russia’s recent attacks on Ukraine as “terror against the civilian population” and “the most serious war crimes.”

“Russia has deliberately and ruthlessly attacked the civilian population with numerous drones and cruise missiles,” said Merz after a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof in Berlin.

This was “anything but a proportionate response to the very precise Ukrainian strikes” against military targets last week, he argued.

“Russia really wanted to cause a bloodbath,” emphasized the chancellor, suggesting that only effective Ukrainian defence prevented one.

He added: “It shows once again: Russia is escalating instead of negotiating.”

The German government will therefore continue to work with its partners to increase the pressure of sanctions on Russia, Merz said.

According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia attacked Ukraine overnight with 315 drones and dummy drones, two North Korean ballistic missiles and five cruise missiles.

In the process, 284 targets were neutralized, including all missiles and cruise missiles, its said. The night-time attack was massive, although Moscow used fewer drones and missiles than in previous days.

The largest attack to date took place on Sunday night with 479 drones, according to Ukrainian figures.