Russian president Vladimir Putin reiterates that assigning full blame for Nazi Germany to today’s German citizens is a misrepresentation. He spoke about this in an interview with journalist Pavel Zarubin, with the recording published through the official Kremlin Telegram channel. The remarks address ongoing debates about historical accountability and the responsibilities that cross generations.
The president commented specifically on media reports claiming that the grandfather of current German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock supported fascism. Putin stressed that political accountability for events in the first half of the 20th century should not be transferred to the present generation of Germans. He cautioned against drawing broad conclusions about an entire nation based on the actions of individuals from the past.
“We cannot place the burden for what Hitler and his followers did—not only in Germany but also in other parts of Europe—on today’s generation”, Putin emphasized. This point underscores his view that historical liability should be linked to historical actors and policy choices rather than contemporary citizens who did not participate in those deeds.
The Russian leader described attempts to attach a blanket label to the German people as dishonest and said such strategies are unproductive. He argued that blaming modern Germans constitutes a misuse of the history of the Soviet era and its impact on world events, rather than a fair assessment of current realities.
“Based on today’s realities, it is essential to examine who actually acted and which policies were pursued”, the president concluded. The dialogue reflects a broader insistence on distinguishing between historical responsibility and present-day nationhood, especially in discussions about war, memory, and reconciliation. Putin also noted the ongoing commitment to confronting extremist ideologies and ensuring that Nazi remnants are not tolerated in any form.