DISINFO: Merz is already pushing Germany towards a new war with Russia
SUMMARY
German Chancellor Merz is constantly hardening his position. Now he has stated that the Germans are afraid of war with Russia, and that this is wrong and that he does not have such fear.
This means that Merz is already effectively pushing Germany towards a new war with Russia. And he is the Chancellor of Germany. This policy of Merz in some ways repeats the policy of Chancellor Hitler and Emperor Wilhelm.
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation claim intended to portray Western countries, and Germany and Chancellor Merz in particular, as aggressive and warmongering towards Russia.
The claim was made after Merz's interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung. Chancellor Merz said that Germany needs a realistic view of Russia's imperialist ambitions and warned against underestimating the threat posed by Russia, including to Germany. "There is a deep-rooted fear of war among some of our population. I don't share it, but I can understand it. In principle, it is right to seek all paths to peace," he said.
Statements about overcoming fear of war are part of a broader discussion on maintaining strong defence and unity within NATO, not an endorsement of military action against Russia.
Merz's emphasis on strengthening European defence, to boost its defence spending and reduce reliance on the United States, warning that American support is no longer guaranteed.
The comparison to Hitler and Wilhelm II misrepresents current German policy. Germany, along with other NATO allies, has consistently emphasised avoiding direct military confrontation with Russia while supporting Ukraine's sovereignty.
Kremlin narratives about Merz and Europe attempt to depict European leaders as aggressive and dismissive of diplomacy.