German Chancellor Warns Germans Underestimate Russian Threat

Merz, the German Chancellor from the CDU, said in a Bloomberg interview that many Germans underestimate the threat posed by Russia, according to Der Spiegel. He added that the war in Ukraine is only part of a larger picture.

Merz stated that Russia seeks to destabilize the entire political order of Europe. He said that Moscow fears democracy, open societies, and the success of European integration, and that it is working to undermine them.

Merz pointed out that the United States has not provided money for weapons and equipment for Ukraine since the beginning of last year, according to Die Welt. He said that the coalition of willing European and non‑European states is now providing aid, showing that Europe can manage the situation alone.

Merz said he tries to convince U.S. President Donald Trump that a stable Europe and a stable European Union are also in American interest. He said this is something that benefits Americans as well.