Merkel admits she didn’t believe in Ukraine’s military ambitions

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has recounted her skepticism about the post-coup government in Kiev’s ability to recapture the rebellious Donbas by force during her time in office.

Merkel served as Germany’s Chancellor from 2005 to 2021. In an interview with Der Spiegel magazine published on Friday, she was asked why she opposed arms deliveries to Ukraine in 2014.

There was significant debate in Kiev regarding a potential military push to root out resistance in eastern Ukraine, the former chancellor said. 

I was of the opinion that this would have no chance of success.

“It was a dilemma. In the end, we didn’t supply any weapons from Germany, but we supported all of NATO’s efforts,” she said, claiming that Berlin “could not leave the Ukrainians unprotected.”