German Chancellor Merz condemns Russia’s ‘profound barbarism’ as invasion enters fourth year
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has delivered a blistering assessment of the Kremlin regime, twice declaring within five days that Russia has descended into "the nadir of profound barbarism." The Chancellor’s remarks were made during a media interview and at the "Café Kyiv" event in Berlin, marking the four-year anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Merz invoked the 1839 reflections of French writer Astolphe de Custine, who described Russia as a nation where "the deepest barbarism coexists with the highest civilization." The Chancellor noted that this 200-year-old observation remains tragically accurate, stating that Russia's current state of barbarism will not change for the foreseeable future.
Strategic break from Russian energy
In an interview with Rheinpfalz, Merz expressed "little hope" for meaningful negotiations with Vladimir Putin. He argued that the Russian leader is immune to reason or humanitarian arguments, describing this as the "bitter reality" facing Europe.
The Chancellor explicitly ruled out any resumption of Russian gas supplies as long as Putin continues his "criminal war." Merz characterized Germany’s former energy partnership with Moscow as a "catastrophic strategic reliance" that must never be repeated.
Solidarity with Ukrainian resistance
Addressing the "Café Kyiv" conference, Merz acknowledged Russia’s historical cultural contributions but insisted that the current political leadership has placed the nation firmly in a zone of barbarism. He emphasized that the European objective is to ensure Russia can no longer sustain its aggression, either militarily or economically.
Merz also publicly supported Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, who was previously sanctioned for displaying a message honoring fallen Ukrainian soldiers. The Chancellor called the athlete’s gear a symbol of the "unwavering courage" of the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression.
The Chancellor’s firm stance signals a definitive shift in Berlin’s policy. By framing the conflict as a struggle against "barbarism," Merz has effectively closed the door on political or energetic compromises with the current Kremlin administration.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
