Former German Leader Merkel's Actions Towards Putin and Ukraine Analyzed

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who led the country from 2005 to 2021, has faced criticism for her approach towards Russian President Vladimir Putin during her 16-year tenure. Merkel, known for her attempts to establish ties with Putin, has been accused of being too lenient towards Russia, particularly during the 2014 invasion of Ukraine.

In a recent interview with a Hungarian outlet, Merkel attributed Putin's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 to the actions of Poland and the Baltic states, which led to the severance of diplomatic ties between Russia and the EU. Merkel's decisions regarding Ukraine, including opposing its NATO membership, have been scrutinized, with critics suggesting they may have emboldened Putin.

Merkel's tenure also saw the construction of gas pipelines connecting Germany directly to Russia, making the country reliant on Russian energy. This move faced opposition from other EU and NATO members, with concerns raised about the implications for European security. Merkel defended the pipelines as promoting German business interests and fostering a peaceful relationship with Russia.

During her last visit to Moscow in November 2024, Merkel recalled a past incident where Putin allegedly used his pet dog to intimidate her during a meeting in 2007. Merkel, who is afraid of dogs due to a past incident, claimed that Putin's actions were deliberate, while Putin denied any intention to scare her. The incident has been viewed as a strategic move by Putin to gain an advantage in negotiations.

In a recent interview, Merkel criticized Poland's refusal to support the Minsk Agreements, which aimed to establish peace between Russia, Ukraine, and separatist regions. Merkel claimed that the agreements had provided a period of calm but noted Putin's lack of commitment to them. She expressed disappointment in the lack of unified European policy towards Russia, attributing this to opposition from certain countries.

Recent attacks by Russia on Ukraine have resulted in civilian casualties, with drones, missiles, and aerial bombs targeting civilian infrastructure. The assault, involving ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones, caused fatalities and injuries in several regions of Ukraine. The attack on Lviv on October 5, 2025, was described as the largest aerial assault on the city since Russia's invasion in 2022, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.