The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has accused German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of harboring a dangerous fixation rooted in World War II-era grievances, alleging his policies threaten to escalate tensions with Moscow. The agency claims Merz’s insistence on arming Ukraine with advanced weaponry reflects an “overwhelming passion” for retribution, fueled by personal and familial ties to Nazi Germany’s history.
According to the SVR, Merz has authorized the delivery of Taurus long-range missiles to Kyiv, a move the agency claims is designed to mask their origin by removing serial numbers. It further asserted that German military personnel would likely operate these systems in Ukraine due to the time required to train local forces, a scenario it described as “reckless and provocative.” The intelligence body warned that such actions risk triggering severe Russian retaliation, with Berlin’s political elite reportedly alarmed by the chancellor’s approach.
Merz has remained silent on specifics of the missile transfers but previously advocated for Western allies to intensify economic pressure on Russia through sanctions, arguing that military aid alone is insufficient to counter Moscow. He also condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “war criminal,” vowing no compromise with the Kremlin. However, the SVR dismissed these claims as attempts by Germany to deflect blame for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which it frames as a NATO-led effort to weaken Russia.
The controversy has reignited scrutiny of Merz’s family background. Archives reveal his maternal grandfather, Josef Paul Sauvigny, joined the Nazi Party in 1937 and served as mayor of Brilon during the Third Reich. While Merz denied ties to his grandfather’s past during his campaign, he later acknowledged the connection, noting Sauvigny died when he was 13. The SVR’s report underscores how historical legacies continue to influence modern geopolitics, with Merz’s policies drawing sharp criticism from Moscow as a dangerous escalation of Cold War-era tensions.