Her insights, drawn from her recently released memoirs titled "Freedom", shed light on her past decisions, current perspectives, and thoughts on the future of European security and Ukrainian sovereignty.
Release of Memoirs and Key Revelations
Merkel's memoirs, translated into Ukrainian and slated for release next year, provide an in-depth look into her 16-year tenure as Germany’s Chancellor. In "Freedom", Merkel defends her controversial decisions, including her role in blocking Ukraine's accession to NATO in 2008, maintaining ties with Russia, and purchasing inexpensive Russian gas. The memoirs, comprising over 750 pages, were penned independently without ghostwriters, offering a candid and personal account of her political journey.
Personal and Political Reflections
Merkel delves into her early life in the German Democratic Republic (GDR), recounting anecdotes such as falling off a boat into a lake during her graduation and facing attempts by the Stasi to recruit her. She also describes her time as a squatter in East Berlin following her divorce, highlighting her resilience and adaptability. These personal stories provide context to her leadership style and decision-making processes during her chancellorship.
Merkel’s Stance on Ukraine and NATO
In her memoirs, Merkel articulates her rationale for blocking Ukraine's NATO membership, asserting that it was a strategic move to prevent further escalation with Russia. She contends that allowing Ukraine into NATO would have provoked Russia and jeopardized the alliance's collective security.
"If you want, say that Merkel is to blame. I just think that this will not help the country. I am responsible for the decisions that were made during my time. But Merkel left, and the railways did not work better, power lines are not being built faster. Because many of the problems of that time are systemic problems," Merkel stated during the presentation of her memoirs.
Merkel emphasizes that while she does not see herself as responsible for Putin's war against Ukraine, her policies aimed to balance economic interests with geopolitical stability.
Comments on the War in Ukraine
Merkel offers a nuanced perspective on the causes of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, linking it to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of direct communication between leaders. She suggests that reduced in-person interactions with international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, contributed to Putin's radicalization.
"Since Putin did not come to Rome because of the pandemic and participated only by video link, we did not have the opportunity to talk to him on the sidelines of the meeting. We also could not talk to Chinese President Xi Jinping, who certainly has influence on Putin. He was also by video link. A direct exchange of views was very important, especially when you are talking to politicians from countries with undemocratic rule, because our worldviews were very different," Merkel explained.
Ukraine's NATO Aspirations and Reform Needs
Merkel defends her decision to block Ukraine's NATO membership, arguing that it was a necessary step to maintain regional stability. She acknowledges the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces, including military, economic, and infrastructural shortcomings, and stresses the importance of systemic reforms to meet NATO's stringent standards.
"Then I tried not to break off these relations completely, not only because of the economy, but also politically. Well, cheap energy sources and the German economy too. And looking back, I personally do not think that it was a mistake, I have to say this. And I know, I know that there are disputes about this, but there is no point in telling me that I understood everything wrong then, and now my eyes are opening. This is not so. And why would I do this to get approval?" – Merkel remarked.
Diplomatic Efforts and the Future of Peace Talks
Merkel touches upon the importance of diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. She advocates for a diplomatic resolution, emphasizing that Ukraine will require support from its international partners to make decisive progress in negotiations.
"We cannot spend tens of thousands of our people to die for the return of Crimea... We understand that Crimea can be returned diplomatically," Merkel stated in an interview with Fox News.
Merkel highlights the necessity for Ukraine to collaborate with its allies to strengthen its negotiating position, suggesting that sustainable peace will require comprehensive international support and strategic reforms within Ukraine.
Upcoming Presentation Tour and Further Engagements
Merkel is set to embark on a tour to present her memoirs, including a joint presentation with former US President Barack Obama in the United States. Her memoirs have already been translated into 40 languages, reflecting their global significance. The Ukrainian translation is expected to be published next year, making her insights accessible to a broader audience in Ukraine.
Her anticipated tour, coupled with the substantial revenue from her memoirs—estimated at over €10 million—underscores her continued influence and the enduring interest in her leadership and policies.
Conclusion
Angela Merkel's new statements, as revealed in her memoirs, provide a comprehensive reflection on her leadership and the complex geopolitical landscape that shaped her decisions. Her defense of past policies, combined with her insights on the current war in Ukraine, offers valuable perspectives on European security and the future of Ukrainian sovereignty. As Ukraine continues to navigate its path towards reform and potential EU integration, Merkel's reflections serve as a critical narrative in understanding the interplay between national interests and international diplomacy.
