The fear of war with Russia has taken root in the Germans, which the current German Chancellor does not share. Friedrich Merz stated this in an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung.
"Part of our society has a deep-rooted fear of war. I don't share it, but I can understand it," Merz said, quoted by the Strana newspaper.
According to the Chancellor, "a realistic view of Russia's imperialist aspirations is needed." In this regard, he called for arming Germany.
"We know we have no time to waste. There is money, but we still lack people and equipment… Quite soon we will have to deal with the issue of universal military service," he added.
As reported, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz fears direct even telephone contacts with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as they may affect the strengthening of the Russian Federation. Such a rather strange idea was voiced by the head of the federal German government in his commentary to the Süddeutsche Zeitung. He said that he did not want to talk to Putin yet, as such contacts could serve as a "cause of escalation on the Ukraine".