Merkel criticizes witch hunts against 'Putinversteher'
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed disapproval of derogatory language used to discredit individuals advocating for a deeper understanding of Russia's perspective on global issues. The term ‘Putinversteher’ is frequently employed...
TroibNews 
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed disapproval of derogatory language used to discredit individuals advocating for a deeper understanding of Russia's perspective on global issues.
The term ‘Putinversteher’ is frequently employed by certain individuals attempting to silence calls for more balanced discussions regarding Russia. Merkel asserted that this pejorative term hinders substantial dialogue and complicates diplomatic efforts.
In an interview with Berliner Zeitung on Friday, she was inquired about her thoughts on the label, which is often directed towards those addressing Russian President Vladimir Putin's concerns about NATO's expansion. “Not good, because there has to be a discussion about it. You have to plan ahead for diplomatic initiatives so that they are available at the right moment,” she stated.
She also dismissed the notion that striving to comprehend Moscow’s stance equates to endorsing it. “I find the accusation of being a Putinversteher inappropriate. It is used as a conversation-stopper, a way to shut down debate,” she commented.
Her remarks come at a time when there is an ongoing discussion in Germany regarding its strategy towards Russia. The term ‘Putinversteher’ is often utilized to criticize those who promote diplomatic engagement with Moscow, depicting them as sympathetic to the Kremlin.
Regarding European security concerns, Merkel cautioned that neglecting Russia’s interests might heighten the chances of future conflicts. “There is no justification for him [Putin] invading another country, but the discussion about Russia’s interests must be allowed,” she insisted.
Merkel was instrumental in the Minsk agreements, a 2015 plan negotiated alongside former French President Francois Hollande, which aimed to reintegrate the Donbass region into Ukraine. However, following the escalation in 2022, both Merkel and Hollande acknowledged that the accords were never intended to establish peace but rather to provide time for Kiev to bolster its military with NATO’s support.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
The term ‘Putinversteher’ is frequently employed by certain individuals attempting to silence calls for more balanced discussions regarding Russia. Merkel asserted that this pejorative term hinders substantial dialogue and complicates diplomatic efforts.
In an interview with Berliner Zeitung on Friday, she was inquired about her thoughts on the label, which is often directed towards those addressing Russian President Vladimir Putin's concerns about NATO's expansion. “Not good, because there has to be a discussion about it. You have to plan ahead for diplomatic initiatives so that they are available at the right moment,” she stated.
She also dismissed the notion that striving to comprehend Moscow’s stance equates to endorsing it. “I find the accusation of being a Putinversteher inappropriate. It is used as a conversation-stopper, a way to shut down debate,” she commented.
Her remarks come at a time when there is an ongoing discussion in Germany regarding its strategy towards Russia. The term ‘Putinversteher’ is often utilized to criticize those who promote diplomatic engagement with Moscow, depicting them as sympathetic to the Kremlin.
Regarding European security concerns, Merkel cautioned that neglecting Russia’s interests might heighten the chances of future conflicts. “There is no justification for him [Putin] invading another country, but the discussion about Russia’s interests must be allowed,” she insisted.
Merkel was instrumental in the Minsk agreements, a 2015 plan negotiated alongside former French President Francois Hollande, which aimed to reintegrate the Donbass region into Ukraine. However, following the escalation in 2022, both Merkel and Hollande acknowledged that the accords were never intended to establish peace but rather to provide time for Kiev to bolster its military with NATO’s support.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
