diplomatic relations

Germany takes Italy to court over Nazi compensation claims

Germany on Friday brought a case against Italy before the International Court of Justice on the grounds that Rome is continuing to claim World War II compensation, thereby "failing to respect its jurisdictional immunity", the court said.

Politics

Germany's Scholz supports Ukraine amid Russian invasion fears

Olaf Scholz firmly backed Ukraine by underlining the "inviolability of borders" in his first New Year's speech as German chancellor on Friday, amid heightened fears of a Russian invasion.

Politics

Russian gas must not be 'weapon' against Ukraine: German Chancellor Merkel

Russia should not use its gas -- which will soon bypass Ukraine to Europe over the nearly completed Nord Stream 2 pipeline -- as a "geopolitical weapon", German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at a joint press conference in Kiev on Sunday.

Politics

German Chancellor Merkel visits Ukraine before leaving office

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is visiting Ukraine on Sunday, an ally she has supported in its conflict with pro-Russia separatists but has disappointed with her appetite for Russian gas.