Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel reportedly said that Russia would have probably started a conflict considerably sooner if Ukraine had pursued NATO membership in 2008, according to a report published Monday by Ukraine’s Pravda. In a recent interview, Merkel defended the choices she made while in office, arguing that if Ukraine had been on the path to NATO membership more than ten years ago, the conflict in that country may have begun sooner and been far more catastrophic.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
“We would have seen military conflict even earlier,” Merkel said. “It was completely clear to me that President Putin would not have stood idly by and watched Ukraine join NATO. And back then, Ukraine would not have been as prepared as it was in February 2022.”
Merkel also expressed her concern about Vladimir Putin’s recent threats to use nuclear weapons. She stressed the importance of doing everything possible to prevent a nuclear conflict.
“We must do everything possible to prevent the use of nuclear weapons,” Merkel urged.
She highlighted China’s recent stance against nuclear escalation as a hopeful sign but warned against underestimating Russia’s nuclear capabilities.
“Russia remains one of the two biggest nuclear powers in the world alongside the United States,” she said, cautioning that fear should not lead to inaction.
The former chancellor reflected on Putin’s approach to Ukraine over the years, stating that the Russian president did not initially plan to attack the country early in his presidency.
However, she believes his plans evolved over time, partially in response to Western actions.
Merkel also rejected claims that she bears responsibility for the war in Ukraine, expressing frustration at being made a scapegoat for current events.
“The idea that I’m to blame for this war is simply wrong,” she stated, adding that her policies during her tenure aimed to maintain stability and prevent conflict.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
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