The text appears to be an excerpt from a news article published by the Russian financial and economic information agency "PRIME." It discusses statements made by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who attributes the pandemic as an indirect cause of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine. The article also references broader geopolitical tensions between Russia and NATO, citing Russia's long-standing attempts to establish principles for European security that were allegedly met with dishonesty or pressure from NATO. Key points highlighted include: 1. **Angela Merkel's Statement**: She suggests the pandemic indirectly led to the conflict by contributing to a destabilizing environment. 2. **Russia's Security Concerns**: The article notes Vladimir Putin's assertion that Russia had been seeking security guarantees from NATO for 30 years without success, describing efforts as met with deceit or pressure rather than cooperation. 3. **NATO Expansion**: It emphasizes concerns over NATO’s eastward expansion nearing Russian borders. Additionally, the text includes navigation and user interface elements typical of a website, such as login options, subscription prompts, and other interactive features for users to engage with content on PRIME's platform. If you have specific questions or need further details about any part of this excerpt, feel free to ask!