Former German chancellor Angela Merkel defended, on Monday, her 2008 decision to block Ukraine from joining NATO, denouncing Russian actions in Bucha.
A statement issued by Merkel's spokeswoman said she is still sticking to her decisions about the 2008 NATO summit in Bucharest.
"In view of the atrocities uncovered in Bucha and other places in Ukraine, all efforts by the government and the international community to stand by Ukraine's side and to bring an end to Russia's barbarism and war against Ukraine have the former chancellor's full support," the spokeswoman added.
In his latest address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had described the Franco-German-led decision as a "miscalculation" as they do not admit his country to the alliance despite a push from the United States.
"I invite Ms Merkel and Mr (Nicolas) Sarkozy to visit Bucha and see what the policy of concessions to Russia has led to in 14 years," he said, referring to the atrocities against Ukrainian civilians by Russian forces that world powers have described as "war crimes".
Furthermore, the Ukrainian president accused the European leaders of seeking to appease Russia with their stance then.
Follow the latest news on Google News
