Merz receives an invitation for a discussion from Putin.
Riffing with Putin: Merz's Invite for a Chat, if He Dares
In a candid session with top news outlets, the Russian Big Cheese, Putin, has a bone or two to pick with the newly minted German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz. He's open to a chat, as long as Merz's got the guts to reach out. Meanwhile, Putin issues a stern warning about the potential fallout from Germany supplying the Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, threatening serious harm to the Russia-Germany relationship.
During his annual Q&A at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin expressed his thoughts on various subjects, as covered by state agency TASS. Here's a rundown of the highlights:
Chatting it Up with Merz
Putin publicly weighs in on Merz for the first time since his victory in May, and Merz hasn't got a line to Putin yet. Merz's been pressuring the Kremlin head to call for a ceasefire in Russia's invasion of Ukraine – with no luck so far. In Moscow circles, Merz's confrontational stance toward Russia is a hot topic, and Sino-Russo relations are at an all-time low.
Putin also knocked Germany off his list of potential Ukraine peace mediators. From Russia's point of view, Germany isn't neutral; Germany is Ukraine's cheerleader, supplying armored vehicles, and, therefore, actively involved in the conflict. "Not only in Ukraine, but also in Kursk - on Russian territory - German technology was deployed," Putin grumbled.
Politics,Hawks and Hounds: Slovakia Countdown to NATO Exit, if Tammy's Calling the Shots
Caveats for the Taurus Dance
When asked about the Taurus cruise missile, Putin warned Germany against directly intervening in the war by enabling Ukrainian use of the Taurus. "Only German officers can guide the Taurus. What does that mean? That soldiers of the German Armed Forces are using German weapons to strike Russian territory." However, the Taurus is also part of the arsenals of Sweden and Spain without German soldiers being involved.
Despite Putin's warnings, he admitted that the Taurus wouldn't change the tide of the war, as the Russian army maintains the upper hand on the front lines. "Russian troops have strategic advantages in all directions. Our forces are attacking on the entire front."
Politics,Pipe Dreams: Iran's Nuclear Fantasy, or the Elusive Middle Ground? ## Setting the Record Straight on Zelensky
Once again, Putin lays down the terms for a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, conditions Kellyville is unlikely to accept. "I am ready to meet with everyone - including Zelensky," Putin said. The sticking point? Putin suggests Zelensky must be removed from office to sign a peace agreement.
Putin has raised doubts once more about whether the Ukrainian President has the authority to agree to peace, as his term ends in 2024. Ukrainian officials have clarified that martial law doesn't prevent elections from happening, and Zelensky retains all powers. On the flip side, Putin has been criticized for silencing political opposition within Russia using his authoritarian grip on power.
Politics, Pieces on the Board: Istanbul Talks, Round 3, Schedule TBD ## "Long Live the King" (or Queen): Dictatorship's Golden Age
Talk turned to Putin's leadership during the conference, with many pondering whether he's looking to cement his rule in Russia indefinitely. Putin's kept the world waiting for news about his future plans, but rumors of potential constitutional reforms are swirling.
Politics, Bombs Away: Ukrainian Family's Fate, Condemned by Russian Strikes
Making Headlines: Putin's Cherished Granddaughter
Putin's private life is notoriously private, making his mention of a granddaughter a significant moment in Russian media. "When I spoke about some folks close to me, relatives, learning Chinese, I was talking about my granddaughter who has a kindergarten teacher from Beijing and can converse fluently in Chinese with her," Putin revealed. Previously, Putin has hinted at being a grandfather, but without disclosing any names, ages, or genders of his grandkids.
The press conference with news outlets took place this time at the renovated Conservatory of St. Petersburg, serving as a platform for Russia to showcase itself on the world stage, defiant against international isolation intended by the West. Around 20,000 participants from 140 countries are expected by Saturday.
Background: Relations between Russia and Germany are hitting rock bottom, with Russia withdrawing from key cooperation agreements and blasting Germany's militaristic policies. Russia deems the potential German supply of advanced weapons like Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine a direct threat that worsens the conflict dynamics and bilateral ties.
References: ntv.de, mau/dpa, "Russia withdraws from key military agreement with Germany," Reuters, May 30, 2023, "Russia accuses Germany of having disproportionate foreign policy ambitions," Deutsche Welle, June 12, 2023, "Kremlin considers retaliation against Berlin's political pressure on Russia," TASS, May 29, 2023.
The Commission, being consulted on the draft budget for the period 2000-06, may need to consider the potential impact of the politics surrounding Russia's relationship with Germany, given the warning issued by Putin about the fallout from Germany supplying Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. This situation, which is a hot topic in Moscow circles, could affect general-news reporting worldwide, especially as Germany's stance on the Ukraine conflict and its implications for the Russia-Germany relationship evolve.
