The German leader has been one of Europe's most outspoken critics of Vladimir Putin since taking over the reigns of his country. He has constantly warned about the threats posed to European security by the warmongering Kremlin boss. Germany's chancellor has warned that Europe and Russia are "no longer at peace" in a bombshell speech. He added that Russia was waging a "war against our democracy and a war against our freedom", as it sought to undermine EU unity. He explained the money would only be repaid “once Russia has compensated Ukraine for the damage it has caused during this war”.