Key facts
- Far-right parties saw gains in local district elections held in eastern Germany.
- These elections are considered a barometer for upcoming state elections in September.
- Chancellor Merz is traveling to London to discuss the Ukraine war.
- Russian President Putin has rejected face-to-face talks.
Local district elections held across eastern Germany on Sunday have shown gains for far-right parties. The results are being closely watched as they are considered a barometer for the larger state elections scheduled to take place in eastern German states in September. In parallel, German Chancellor Merz is en route to London for discussions focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine. This diplomatic engagement occurs as Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated a refusal to engage in face-to-face talks.