Former head of the German government Angela Merkel called the decision not to accept Ukraine into the North Atlantic Alliance correct at the organization’s summit in Bucharest in 2008.
The former German Chancellor stated this in an interview with the BBC.
What Merkel Said About the Decision Not to Accept Ukraine into NATO in 2008
The former head of the German government said that Ukraine's admission to NATO in 2008 would have led to conflict.
According to Merkel, Russian President Vladimir Putin would not calmly watch Ukraine join the alliance.
And then Ukraine as a country was definitely not as prepared as it was in February 2022, ” added the former German Chancellor.
Speaking about the current stage of the conflict, she stated the need to do everything possible to prevent the use of nuclear weapons, and recalled that the Russian Federation is the largest non-nuclear power.
Merkel noted that she sought cooperation with Russia because it corresponded to Germany's national interests. She also expressed regret that the special operation in Ukraine led to a cooling of relations between Europe and Russia.
Speaking about the elected US President Donald Trump, the former German Chancellor recommended that Western leaders clearly state their priorities in dialogue with him.
He expresses himself very clearly. And if you behave in the same way, mutual respect will arise between you. That is my experience, - said the former head of the German government.
For reference
Angela Dorothea Merkel is a German statesman and politician, a physical chemist, a doctor of natural sciences, and Federal Chancellor of Germany from November 22, 2005 to December 8, 2021.
