Yes the interview was in German of course and the excerpt I've referenced was the English translation which I obtained ages ago from a discussion site and analysis of what she had actually said and its context when everyone was whipping themselves into a frenzy over it which is what prompted my digging at the time. From memory I think there might have been a paywall on the publisher ?
I copied the text at the time and to be honest I can't recall now which site it was....I'll have a think and if it comes to mind I'll let you know.
Notwithstanding, the crux of the matter is that she was referencing the 2008 Bucharest/NATO Summit and her comment over giving Ukraine 'time' was clearly in relation to accession to NATO and Ukraine's lack of prerequisites at the time and the 'getting stronger' comment was obviously an incidental observation she made with the benefit of hindsight.
The point is what she said was twisted and misrepresented by omission to suggest it was all a premeditated ruse which was not what she said or indicated and further is not supported by what else she said then or elsewhere over the years. Other comments she made are accessible and in English in various publications and articles and I've linked a couple below including 2 relating to the Steinmeier Formula which may of of some relevance and/or connection or interest.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/07/ukraine-crisis-will-not-be-solved-by-military-means-says-angela-merkelhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60155002https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpolitik/steinmeier-formula/2254244https://www.dw.com/en/opinion-why-ukrainians-distrust-germanys-president/a-61588893
