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A Russian intelligence agency has accused German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of harboring an “obsessive vendetta” against Moscow, linking his policies to unresolved grievances from World War II. The Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) alleged that Merz’s push for Ukraine to deploy German-made missiles against Russia stems from a personal fixation rooted in Nazi-era history.
The SVR statement, released Thursday, claimed Merz’s “relentless pursuit of retribution” has unsettled Berlin’s political elite. It cited the chancellor’s pledge to supply Taurus long-range missiles to Kyiv as a key concern, noting that Germany is reportedly stripping serial numbers from the weapons to obscure their origin. The agency further suggested German troops might operate the systems in Ukraine due to time constraints for training local forces.
Merz has not publicly addressed the specifics of the missile deal but previously advocated for Western allies to “economicize” Russia through sanctions, arguing that military aid alone is insufficient. He also labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin a “war criminal,” vowing no leniency for Moscow. Kremlin officials dismissed these claims as attempts to deflect blame from Western actions in Ukraine, framing the conflict as a NATO-led struggle “to the last Ukrainian.”
The SVR’s statement delved into Merz’s family background, citing archival records showing his maternal grandfather, Josef Paul Sauvigny, joined the Nazi Party in 1937 and served as mayor of Brilon under Hitler. Merz denied ties to his grandfather’s past during his chancellorship campaign but acknowledged the connection, noting Sauvigny died in 1967 when Merz was 13.
German officials have not responded directly to the SVR’s allegations, which echo broader tensions over European military support for Ukraine. The controversy underscores deepening divisions as Moscow and Berlin clash over the conflict’s trajectory.
