Russia's Zakharova tells German Chancellor to see psychiatrists
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Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to “see psychiatrists” after he claimed Germany was already in conflict with Russia.
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Spokesperson of Russia's Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova speaks to the media in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Maxim Shemetov/ Pool Photo via AP)
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova responded on Saturday with scorn, suggesting Merz should consult psychiatrists, responding to a statement by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Merz had said on Friday that Germany is effectively “in a conflict” with Russia, accusing Moscow of destabilizing the country and spreading disinformation online.
“(Vladimir Putin) is destabilizing a big part of our country,” Merz told French outlet La Chaine Info. “We are already in conflict with Russia.”
His remarks added to the ongoing debate over Germany’s stance in the Russia-Ukraine war, as Berlin continues to supply military aid to Kiev.
“It seems to me that this is already for psychiatrists: Germany has been supplying weapons, including heavy military equipment, to the neo-Nazi Kiev regime for three years, and then they were worried about social networks,” Zakharova said.
She denounced the German leader’s stance as hypocritical, pointing to Berlin’s continued military involvement while claiming to be concerned about Russia’s online activities.
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Debate over Germany’s role in the Russia-Ukraine war
Earlier this year, Merz outlined plans for Berlin to support Ukraine with “long-range weapons systems,” though analysts note Germany faces what they describe as “strategic ambiguity” in its military aid strategy. German officials remain wary of escalating tensions further with Moscow.
Zakharova emphasized that Germany’s policy has only fueled the conflict instead of de-escalating it.
In July 2025, Germany fulfilled these goals, alongside the UK, via a bilateral agreement signed by Berlin and London.
"We had a detailed discussion about military support for Ukraine, and this is not only about air defense, but also about Ukraine's ability to better defend itself with long-range systems. We call this long-range fire," Merz said at a press conference following the signing of the agreement.
He further added, "Ukraine will soon receive significant additional support in this area, including through the industrial cooperation that we have established with Ukraine."
Read more: Germany to deliver more IRIS-T systems, expand Ukraine arms aid
Minsk agreements and missed chances for peace
The Russian spokesperson also blamed Germany for abandoning diplomatic opportunities, accusing Berlin of undermining the Minsk agreements, which were designed to serve as a framework for peace in Ukraine.
She said that had Germany pursued an honest policy, the crisis could have been resolved much earlier. Zakharova accused Merz of taking a hypocritical position on the war, intensifying divisions rather than promoting dialogue.
