Merkel was captivated by Zelensky and rejected blame for Putin's aggression.

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel rejects accusations that her position on Ukraine's NATO membership led to the Russian invasion. She stated this in an interview with the German publication Spiegel on Friday, November 22.

Merkel claims that the accusations of 'vetoing' Ukraine's NATO membership are a 'deadly argument'. She emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not have perceived the Membership Action Plan (MAP) as a deterrent.

Merkel noted that she had repeatedly warned about Putin's desire to control former Soviet republics. 'He has always had dictatorial tendencies, and his complacency often upset me,' she remarked, adding that when he came to power in 2000, Putin did not plan to attack Ukraine.

The former chancellor also comments on President Zelensky's invitation to visit Bucha after the discovery of mass killings. She believes this may hint at a possible connection between her stance at the NATO summit in 2008 and the tragic events.

Regarding the 'Nord Stream 2' project, Merkel explains her decision by the necessity to provide the German economy with cheap gas. At the same time, she emphasizes that no circumstances can justify Russian aggression against Ukraine.

We also remind you: Merkel concealed information about Putin's plans for gas blackmail.