In her first public speech in six months, former German chancellor Angela Merkel called the Russian attack on Ukraine a blatant breach of international law and a “profound break” in the history of Europe after World War II, writes anews.com.tr.

“My solidarity is with Ukraine, which was attacked and invaded by Russia, and with supporting its right to self - defence. The consequences of the war would be far-reaching, for Ukrainians especially, but also the continent”, - Merkel said.

She addressed the rights abuses being perpetrated against civilians. “Bucha is representative of this horror”, - former German chancellor said, referring to the massacre of hundreds in a Kiev suburb.

A small ray of hope “in this infinite sadness” was the enormous support for Ukrainians many neighbouring countries had shown, naming Poland and Moldova as examples.

“Never should we take peace and freedom for granted”, - she added.