The German government has sharply condemned comments by former Russian President and current Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, suggesting the possible kidnapping of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, similar to the recent U.S. operation against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Medvedev had stated that, given the violent methods used by the United States in Venezuela, he could imagine similar actions against other heads of state or government, including Merz.
On Monday (January 5, 2026), German government deputy spokesman Sebastian Hille said in Berlin: “We condemn such threats in the strongest terms,” adding that there was no reason to tighten security measures for the chancellor.
Hille stressed that current security arrangements had proven effective and provided appropriate protection. He added that Merz was “well and safely protected,” noting that the Federal Criminal Police Office’s protection unit is “among the best in the world.”
Sources – Agencies
