Merkel is trying to justify herself for starting a conflict with Russia — expert

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel is trying to absolve herself of responsibility for the escalation of the conflict between Russia and the West, shifting the blame to Poland and the Baltic countries. This is the opinion of Russian parliamentarians, in particular, State Duma deputy Dmitry Novikov, writes Pravda.Ru .

Earlier, Bild, citing former German Chancellor Angela Merkel (she held the post from 2005 to 2021), reported that Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania disrupted diplomatic negotiations with Russia in 2021, thereby indirectly contributing to the outbreak of a military conflict in Ukraine. Ukraine.

Commenting on the statement of the ex-Chancellor, Novikov noted that Merkel's words are an attempt to rewrite history and justify her own policy while in power.

"Merkel, of course, would not like to go down in history as a politician involved in the aggravation of the conflict between Russia and Western countries. She is trying to shift responsibility to Poland and the Baltic states, whose radical anti—Russian position has long been known," the deputy stressed.

He recalled that Merkel herself had previously admitted that the Minsk agreements were considered by Western countries as a way to gain time and prepare Kiev for an armed confrontation.

"These confessions have already become a historical fact confirming that the Minsk format was used to deceive Russia. And now, when relations between Moscow and the West have reached a critical point, Merkel is trying to present events in a different light," Novikov explained.

The parliamentarian added that the negotiations, which were planned in 2021, could have influenced the development of the situation if the parties really sought to find a compromise.

"History knows many examples when even difficult negotiations led to decisions that suited both sides. In the case of the Minsk format, everything could have turned out differently if Western politicians really sought peace, and did not act within the framework of aggressive logic," the deputy concluded.