Angela Merkel defends her choices on Russia and Ukraine in a rare BBC interview
Former German leader Angela Merkel explained her actions during her 16 years in power, telling the BBC’s Katya Adler that her decisions about Russia and Ukraine were aimed at protecting Germany’s economy and maintaining peace.
Merkel said the gas deals with Russia were necessary to help German businesses and that her decision in 2008 to block Ukraine from joining NATO likely delayed a war with Russia. She believed that if Ukraine had moved closer to NATO back then, Russia would have attacked much earlier and the conflict could have been worse.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly disagrees, calling her move a mistake that made Russia bolder. Merkel acknowledged that diplomatic efforts with Russia failed but said she always tried to maintain peace.
Merkel also discussed Russia’s nuclear threats with concern. She said the world must work to stop the use of nuclear weapons, adding that Russia, along with the U.S., holds massive nuclear power. According to the BBC, Merkel emphasized not giving in to fear but remaining realistic about the danger.
During her time in office, Merkel faced major crises, including the 2015 migrant wave and the eurozone financial meltdown.
She opened Germany’s doors to over a million asylum seekers, a decision praised by Barack Obama but blamed by others for strengthening anti-migrant, far-right parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Merkel defended her choices, telling the BBC that the only way to fight anti-migrant movements is to stop illegal migration and improve living conditions in African nations to reduce the number of people fleeing to Europe.
Her critics say Germany’s dependency on Russian gas and reliance on China and the U.S. for trade were missteps that weakened the country. The BBC notes that Germany now struggles with rising energy costs, slow growth, and outdated infrastructure, earning it the label “sick man of Europe.”
Even with these challenges, Merkel says she doesn’t regret her decisions. She advised European leaders to be clear and firm when dealing with figures like Donald Trump, who often criticized Germany and Europe during his presidency.
The BBC also highlighted how Merkel’s memoir, Freedom, comes at a time when her legacy is under scrutiny.
While she doesn’t miss politics, she continues to offer advice to world leaders when asked. Merkel’s reflections show her firm belief that she acted in the best interests of Germany and Europe during her time in power.
(Reporting credit: BBC)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3e8y1qly52o