Friedrich Merz: Many Germans underestimate threat from Russia

Chancellor Merz: Defends carelessness towards Russia

Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has expressed concern that the threat posed by Russia is not taken seriously enough in Germany. The war in Ukraine is only part of the overall picture, Merz said in a Bloomberg interview. The big picture is that Russia is in the process of destabilizing the entire political order of our European continent. And this is obviously underestimated by many people in my country. ‘

People do not see what the real goal of Russia is. And this is not only territorial gain in Ukraine. This goes far beyond that, said Merz. He said with regard to those in power in Moscow: “They fear democracy, they fear open societies, they fear the success of European integration, and they want to undermine that success, and they are on their way to doing so.” Many people in Germany underestimated this threat, “which is really there every day”.

In supporting Ukraine in the war against Russia, Merz pointed out that since the beginning of last year, the US has not given any more money for weapons and equipment. Help now the coalition of the willing of Europeans and non-European states. “So that shows that we can do it on our own.” This is a great burden on households, but they try to continue this aid until this terrible war ends.

At every meeting, he tries to convince US President Donald Trump that a stable Europe, a stable European continent, a stable European Union as a partner should also be in his interest, said Merz. This is something that is also worthwhile for Americans. ‘

Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are traveling to Norway this week for a new round of negotiations on an end to the war in Ukraine. Two of the three people familiar with the matter said they also expected the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi. However, the timetable is provisional and could still change. The White House initially did not respond to a request for comment.

The talks are taking place against the background of increasing tensions between Washington and Kyiv. Ukraine accuses the US government of slowing the speed of its military satellite system Starshield, restricting the exchange of intelligence and delaying the delivery of Patriot anti-aircraft missiles.

“All this indicates that a political decision has been made to slow down support for us,” Zelensky said in a video message released Monday. Trump, for his part, accused Zelensky of refusing peace talks with Russia. The Ukrainian head of state should perhaps “let someone else negotiate,” Trump said on Monday.

Read more about everyday life in the Ukrainian front area: Vitali Papirnyi and Lilya Dzhemileva had to leave their home because of the Russians. Now they want to start again in the city of Isjum. But the front is getting closer.