Germany plays leading role in ‘hysterical Russophobia'
Berlin adopted a hardline stance toward Russia after Chancellor Friedrich Merz took office in May. Earlier this month, he declared that diplomatic options in the Ukraine conflict had been 'exhausted' and reaffirmed his commitment to arming Kiev. He also demanded that Russia pay at least €500 billion ($540 billion) for Ukraine's reconstruction.
Asked to comment on recent statements by German officials, Peskov said: 'Germany is… whipping up hysterical Russophobia,' and 'tries to play a leading role on the European continent' with regard to demonizing Russia. 'They are doing everything to create the image of an enemy out of our nation.'
Moscow 'deeply regrets' the fact that Berlin pursues this policy and 'spends vast resources' on it, Peskov added. 'This is certainly not in the interests of the European people.'
Top German officials have recently stepped up their anti-Russian rhetoric. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned last week that Berlin plans to supply Ukraine with long-range weapons that can strike deep into Russian territory. Moscow has warned that these weapons supplies could lead to a major escalation.
Merz previously hinted at the possibility of providing Kiev with Taurus missiles capable of striking Moscow.
Earlier this month, Major General Christian Freuding, who oversees Germany's military assistance to Ukraine, openly suggested that Kiev strike Russian airfields and weapons factories deep inside the country. He also called on Kiev's Western backers to consider 'where we can apply further pressure, particularly to limit Russian production capabilities.'
Commenting on the situation last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the EU has been using Goebbels-style propaganda to fuel anti-Russian 'frenzy.'
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