Merkel: The attack on the Soviet Union is a disgrace to the Germans
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the day Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941 was a source of shame for Germans.
On the eve of the anniversary of the beginning of Nazi Germany's invasion of the USSR on June 22, Merkel expressed gratitude to the peoples of the former Soviet Union for extending a hand of reconciliation to her country. transmitted by Deutsche Welle.
"For us Germans, this is a day of shame. "We owe it to the millions of victims and their heirs." said Merkel.
In the same video message, Merkel criticized the repression of the opposition and the civil society in Russia and Belarus.
She said repression was painful, adding that "the activities of members of the civil society in Russia, but also in Belarus, have recently been restricted and even disabled."
"When peaceful protesters and members of the opposition are shut down, it is a great tension for our relations." said Merkel.
Merkel added that the situation was unacceptable for Berlin after Russia's annexation of Crimea and the support of separatists in eastern Ukraine.