Who is doing more long-term damage to Europe, its culture, economy and "influence?" Is it Putin, or Merkel? Who is more aggressively statist? Russia, or the EU?
I wouldn’t argue against the point you raise with regard to Merkel.
Merkel IMO, is worthy of being charged with crimes against her own nation.
That’s not to say that Russia is right in it’s actions either though. His long range bomber activities alone have been far beyond confrontational. He’s darn lucky nobody has shot some of them down by now.