Angela Merkel Defends Russia Gas Deals and NATO Decision Amid Criticism

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has responded to ongoing criticism of her approach to Russia, particularly regarding the gas deals she struck with Moscow during her tenure. Merkel, who led Germany for 16 years, explained that these deals were made to benefit German businesses while also maintaining peace with Russia. She also addressed accusations that her decision to block Ukraine’s NATO membership in 2008 contributed to the current war in Ukraine.

Merkel, reflecting on her long tenure, which included handling the financial crisis, the migrant crisis of 2015, and Russia’s 2014 invasion of Ukraine, defended her policies, stating that had Ukraine joined NATO in 2008, the war in Ukraine might have started sooner and could have been far more destructive. According to Merkel, she was certain that President Vladimir Putin would not have allowed Ukraine’s NATO membership, and the conflict would have erupted much earlier. She argued that Ukraine in 2008 was not as prepared as it was when the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

This view, however, contrasts sharply with that of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has called Merkel’s decision to block Ukraine’s NATO aspirations a miscalculation that emboldened Russia. Despite this disagreement, Merkel remains steadfast in her belief that her actions were based on preventing greater conflict.

The former Chancellor also expressed concern over the heightened threat of nuclear warfare following Russia's recent provocations. Merkel, who had significant interactions with Putin over the years, stressed the importance of preventing the use of nuclear weapons, acknowledging Russia’s position as one of the world’s largest nuclear powers.

Merkel’s time in office was marked by high popularity, but following her departure from politics three years ago, her legacy has come under scrutiny. Her just-released memoir, "Freedom," delves into her diplomatic efforts, especially regarding Russia, and provides insight into the decisions that have shaped Europe’s current political landscape.

One of the most controversial aspects of Merkel’s tenure was Germany’s heavy reliance on Russian energy, with the country building two gas pipelines directly linking it to Moscow. Merkel justifies these deals, explaining that they were aimed at securing affordable energy for Germany's industries and fostering peaceful relations with Russia. However, critics argue that these deals inadvertently funded Russia’s military activities, particularly the invasion of Ukraine.

Merkel acknowledges the criticisms, but she maintains that she used diplomacy in an effort to prevent escalation in Ukraine. Despite these efforts, she admits that her attempts to curb Russian aggression ultimately failed. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Europe has had to reevaluate its energy policies, with Germany now paying higher prices for LNG after sanctions on Russian energy exports.

Reflecting on her legacy, Merkel remarked that a new era in Europe’s relationship with Russia began "regrettably" following the invasion of Ukraine. While her decisions have been heavily debated, former Italian Premier Matteo Renzi defended her leadership, noting that her approach to Russia was consistent with the broader European strategy at the time, which aimed to balance business interests with diplomacy. In his view, it’s essential to judge Merkel’s policies in the context of the geopolitical norms of her era.

Despite the backlash, Merkel’s role as a key figure in shaping European policies during her time in office remains undeniable. As Europe faces new challenges in its relations with Russia and its energy security, Merkel’s legacy continues to spark debate among policymakers and analysts alike.