German ex-chancellor stands by gas agreements with Russia despite criticism

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel defended her decisions on Russia and Ukraine during her 16 years in office, addressing criticism of her approach to Moscow and her role in blocking Ukraine's NATO membership in 2008.

In an interview with the UK media, Merkel asserted that her policies aimed to balance peace and economic stability, emphasizing that her gas deals with Russia supported German businesses and maintained dialogue with Moscow, Caliber.Az reports.

She rejected claims that she was too soft on Russia, insisting that her decision to oppose Ukraine's NATO membership at the time prevented an earlier and potentially more devastating military conflict.

"It was completely clear to me that President Putin would not have stood idly by and watched Ukraine join NATO," Merkel said. "Ukraine would not have been as prepared in 2008 as it was in 2022."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disagrees, describing Merkel’s NATO decision as a "miscalculation" that emboldened Russia. Critics argue that her policies, including Germany’s dependence on Russian energy, may have left Europe vulnerable to Kremlin aggression.

Merkel also voiced concern over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s nuclear threats, urging global efforts to prevent escalation.

"We must do everything possible to prevent the use of nuclear weapons," she said, noting the gravity of Russia’s nuclear capabilities.

The former chancellor stepped down in 2021, months before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which sparked a reassessment of European energy strategies and foreign policies shaped during her tenure.

Merkel’s interview coincides with the release of her memoir, Freedom, where she reflects on her time in office during pivotal moments, including the financial crisis, the 2015 migrant crisis, and Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.

While Merkel enjoyed high approval ratings during her leadership, her legacy is now under scrutiny as Europe grapples with the consequences of her policies. The ongoing war in Ukraine and shifting energy dynamics have fueled debates over her decisions, challenging her longstanding reputation as a pragmatic leader.

By Khagan Isayev