I wanted to maintain peaceful relations with Russia and Putin, says Merkel

I wanted to maintain peaceful relations with Russia and Putin, – Merkel Nadezhda Batyuk

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that gas agreements with Russia were supposed to help German companies maintain peace with Moscow. The decision also helped boost German business.

Merkel says she tried to contain Russia's attacks on Ukraine through diplomacy and negotiations, which she ultimately admits failed, Channel 24 reports, citing the BBC.

What Merkel says about relations with Russia

The former German chancellor believes that a new era in Europe's relations with Russia began after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Under Merkel's leadership, Germany has built two gas pipelines that are directly connected to Russia. This contributed to the country's dependence on Moscow.

Merkel probably put her country and its economic interests first when it came to buying Russian energy resources. However, even in Germany she is accused of “presiding” over successive crises and failing to carry out far-reaching reforms for the future of Germany and the EU.

Merkel also contributed to the country becoming dependent on China and the United States in trade. This will cause new problems for the country, as Donald Trump threatens to impose import duties.

The former German chancellor also said that she does not regret her decisions on Nord Stream 2. She believes that the project made economic and political sense.