Fierce pounding from Russia: Merz needs the war — He and the Kyiv crew are "corruption rings"

Moscow launched a fierce attack against German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the Ukrainian leadership, with Maria Zakharova sharply raising the tone and directly linking Berlin's policy to the continuation of the war in Ukraine. The spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs argued that the current German government "needs the war" and that the actions of Merz prove it. At the same time, Zakharova leveled heavy accusations against the German Chancellor and the leadership in Kyiv, claiming they operate within the same corruption rings, even as Berlin proceeds with new military support for Ukraine. However, in a particularly critical turn of her statements, the Russian official maintained that Moscow has no plans for an armed conflict with Western Europe and that Russia "does not threaten anyone," while blaming the European Union and NATO for driving the situation into further escalation through their decisions.

"Merz and that whole crew are inside the rings"

Zakharova argued that Ukraine has sunk so deep into corruption that it is now impossible to hide the real scale of the problem. "Ukraine has sunk so deep into corruption that its true magnitude is simply impossible to conceal in any way," she stated, while criticizing the information policy of the Zelenskyy administration. She then turned her fire on Friedrich Merz and the German government. "Merz and that whole crew, of course, are inside all these corruption rings," the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry characteristically noted. According to her assessment, the German Chancellor visits Kyiv also to discuss how the funds funneled through the Ukrainian leadership will be allocated.

New German aid of around 1 billion euros

Zakharova made special reference to Germany's new military aid to Ukraine, amounting to approximately 1 billion euros, claiming that the cost is being transferred onto German taxpayers. "This is how those politically bankrupt figures in Berlin emptied the pockets of German taxpayers," she said, claiming that German citizens themselves reject their government's policy. "One gets the sense that, as retaliation against his own citizens, Merz once again went and emptied their pockets," she added. The Russian official concluded with particularly harsh phrasing regarding the German government, arguing that it "needs the war" and that Merz's moves serve as proof of this.

"Russia does not plan a conflict with Western Europe"

At the same time, Zakharova attempted to respond to assessments regarding a potential future military conflict between Russia and Western Europe. She argued that Moscow has no plans for an armed conflict with Western Europe, reiterating that Russia does not threaten European nations. "Russia threatens no one. The President of Russia and the Foreign Minister have repeatedly stated that Moscow has no plans for an armed conflict with Western Europe," she stated. Meanwhile, commenting on statements by the head of the German intelligence services, she referred to them as "fantasies" and argued that Europe is in danger due to its own political choices.

NATO presence in the Baltic as "escalation"

In the same context, Moscow warned of the consequences of a potential strengthening of NATO's military presence in the Baltic region. Zakharova described the potential deployment of additional forces to the region, including US troops, as well as the creation of new military infrastructure, as a "clear escalation." The Russian side maintains that the European Union has chosen the path of confrontation with Moscow, initially under pressure from the US and later, as Zakharova claimed, "out of inertia." "This path will not allow it to solve, and indeed will never allow it to solve, its urgent problems," she noted.

New fire over Nord Stream

The spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also addressed the case of the Nord Stream pipelines, stating that Moscow does not intend to stop efforts to identify those responsible. "We will consistently continue our work, including on international platforms, to identify and punish not only the perpetrators, but also the actual instigators of this terrorist act," she stated. Russia maintains that it will continue to raise the issue internationally, demanding accountability from both the perpetrators and the organizers of the attack.

Accusations of electoral interference

Zakharova also dismissed accusations of Russian interference in electoral processes abroad, following relevant statements by Italian officials. According to her, Russia does not intervene in the electoral processes of other countries and accused Western political elites of using the "Russian card" for political motives. The attempts by Italian authorities to speak of alleged Russian interference in elections, according to Zakharova, represent "disrespect toward the Italian people."

Moscow's message on Hormuz

Finally, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry referred to the situation in the Middle East, arguing that immediate efforts are required for de-escalation and the restoration of full navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Russia, as she stated, stands ready to contribute to the search for compromise solutions based on international law and with respect for the rights and interests of all involved parties. "Russia remains ready to contribute to the search for compromise solutions," she noted, citing the relations of trust that, according to Moscow, it maintains with all states in the region. Zakharova further argued that Russia had warned from the outset of the conflict about the severe impacts on global food security, repeating that Moscow is interested in "free, unimpeded, and safe navigation" across international sea lanes.

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