Unexpectedly: COVID and the Baltic States Named Among Reasons for the War in Ukraine 0 20

She stated this in an interview with the Hungarian project Partizan, published in Hungarian, excerpts of which were reported by Bild on Monday.

In her opinion, the lack of direct negotiations with Vladimir Putin during the pandemic complicated the achievement of compromises regarding Ukraine.

Merkel said that she could not meet with Putin in person because he was afraid of the coronavirus pandemic, and video conferences were insufficient.

"If you cannot meet, if you cannot discuss your disagreements face to face, you will not find new compromises," she said.

Therefore, according to Merkel, "the coronavirus is the main reason" why Russia became so politically radicalized and ultimately attacked Ukraine.

As reported by bb.lv, Merkel also hinted that the Baltic States bear some responsibility for Putin's aggression.