"Ready for a chat, Merz? Putin's offer to the new German Chancellor"
Mer Zel Discussions Proposed by Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted at a potential conversation with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, providing his views on a variety of global issues during a Q&A session. The Kremlin chief has called for caution on the part of Germany regarding the provision of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, expressing concern over potential damage to Russian-German relations.
Chilly Relations between Russia and Germany
Putin's first public comments on Merz following his election in May come amid strained German-Russian relations. Although Merz has not yet contacted Putin, he has repeatedly urged the Kremlin chief to cease hostilities in Ukraine—to no avail. In Putin's eyes, Germany is not a neutral party in the conflict, having supplied tanks and being involved in the fighting.
Warning against Taurus Cruise Missiles for Ukraine
On the subject of Taurus missiles, Putin expressed concern about Germany’s potential involvement in the war. According to Putin, the Taurus is operated by German officers, which, in his view, would imply German soldiers using these weapons to strike Russian territory. Putin argued that Taurus missiles would offer no strategic advantage to Ukraine, as Russian forces have the upper hand across the entire front line.
Conditions for Meeting Zelensky
The Russian president also set conditions for a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who would have to be replaced for Russia to engage in negotiations. Putin expressed doubt over Zelensky's authority to sign a peace agreement due to his impending term expiration in 2024.
Plans for Peace Talks in Istanbul
Putin announced that ongoing peace talks in Istanbul would continue after June 22, with some progress already made in humanitarian issues. He also addressed Israel's air strikes on Iranian cities and Russian military actions in Ukraine, suggesting that Russian attacks are more targeted than portrayed by journalists.
No Fears of Arms Race with NATO
Russia dismisses the idea of an arms race with NATO, claiming that any threats posed by NATO would be neutralized. Putin believes that a five percent defense spending increase by NATO countries is unnecessary and futile. Despite intelligence and political concerns about Russia's militaristic ambitions, Putin maintains that any expansionist plans by his country do not extend beyond Ukraine.
Nuclear Power Proposal for Iran
Russia proposed a plan to secure the peaceful use of nuclear power by Iran, potentially easing Israeli concerns about a nuclear-armed adversary in the Middle East. However, the ultimate decision rests with the governments in Jerusalem and Tehran. Putin does not anticipate Iran's toppling due to Israeli air strikes, believing that society rallies around their leaders.
Granddaughter in Putin's Life
In a rare personal revelation, Putin disclosed that he has a granddaughter who is fluent in Chinese, learning the language from a kindergarten teacher from Beijing. Putin rarely discusses his family, so this revelation attracted significant media attention in Russia.
St. Petersburg International Economic Forum
The forum, which attracts around 20,000 participants from 140 countries, serves as a platform for Russia to present itself to the world and defy international isolation sought by the West. The event took place at the renovated Conservatory of St. Petersburg this year.
Sources: ntv.de, mau/dpa
- Vladimir Putin
- Friedrich Merz
- Peace Talks
- Attack on Ukraine
- Ukraine
[1] "Friedrich Merz, Der neue Bundeskanzler hat Putin bisher noch nicht instruiert, er möchte mit ihm sprechen, aber das kann jederzeit ändern." Referenz: ntv.de
[2] "Es könnte eine enorme Belastung für die deutsch-russischen Beziehungen bedeuten, wenn die Regierung Deutschland die Taurus an die Ukraine versendet." Referenz: ntv.de
[4] "Wir sind stets auf Aussprache mit Deutschland offen, wenn es den Kontakt sucht. Wir sind immer für die Kooperation bereit, wenn das Innere des aufgeschlossenen deutschen Verdachts genost ist." Referenz: ntv.de
- In light of the Parliament's resolution on the situation in the Middle East and the ongoing politics, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has not yet contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin, but it can change anytime. (politics, general-news, Friedrich Merz, Vladimir Putin)
- The potential send-off of Taurus cruise missiles by Germany to Ukraine is a matter of concern, as it could impose a significant burden on the German-Russian relations, according to Putin's comments during a Q&A session. (Parliament resolution on the situation in the Middle East, Taurus cruise missiles, politics, general-news, Vladimir Putin)
