Putin Dismisses German Sabotage Claims, Says Merz Lacks Public Trust
Putin rejects German sabotage allegations, accusing Merz of failing national interests and facing a trust deficit.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has pushed back against Berlin's accusations of attempted sabotage on German soil, turning the spotlight on Chancellor Friedrich Merz's domestic standing. Speaking to reporters in Kyrgyzstan after a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, Putin claimed the German leader does not enjoy the confidence of his own citizens.
Putin asserted that Merz's political troubles stem from a failure to defend national interests, alleging that economic mismanagement has led to business closures and job losses. He dismissed the German government's narrative of a Russian threat as an insufficient explanation for these difficulties, questioning the evidence behind such claims.
His remarks come in response to Germany's announcement that it had foiled an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month. German officials have blamed Russia for the incident, in which an explosive-laden drone was discovered near a Ukrainian aircraft and defused. Berlin has also announced the closure of a Russian consulate as part of its response.
Putin rejected these allegations, suggesting that the proof has been "planted" to distract from domestic issues. He further speculated that upcoming election campaigns, including in Saxony, are a primary factor driving the German government's actions, calling them a grave error against the interests of the German people.
Moscow has faced widespread accusations from Western officials of orchestrating a campaign of sabotage and disruption across Europe, aimed at undermining support for Ukraine and destabilizing the region.