"Hey buddy, Putin spills the tea on Merz and Taurus"
Merz receives an invitation from Putin for a discussion.
In a loose chat with major news outlets, Russian President Vladimir Putin kept it classy and shared his thoughts on critical global issues, including the conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East. For the first time, he also addressed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, laying down an offer for a discussion... if Merz wants it.
Over in St. Petersburg, Putin sent a clear message to Merz, saying, "We're always here for it." Alongside the offer, Putin issued a word of caution about the potential consequences on the relationship between Russia and Germany, should the German government supply Ukraine with Taurus missiles.
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As is tradition at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum each year, Putin sat down and opened up about an array of topics. reporters, including dpa. In nine years of these sit-downs, as reported by state agency TASS, here's the scoop:
The reunion of old rivals?
Putin touched upon Merz for the first time since he took office in May. Despite Merz yet to receive a call from Putin, he's been making headlines by urging the Kremlin head to declare a ceasefire in Russia's invasion of Ukraine—to no avail. Moscow alleged that Merz is being confrontational towards Russia, with Russian-German ties at an all-time low.
Putin also turned down any role for Germany as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict. With Germany being aligned with Ukraine, supplying weapons, according to Putin, Russia sees Germany as part of the fighting. "Not only in Ukraine, but also in Kursk – on Russian territory – was German technology used," he stated.
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Is Taurus a double-edged sword?
Asked about Taurus missiles, Putin issued a warning against Germany's involvement in the conflict if Berlin supports Ukraine's use of it. "Only German officers can guide Taurus missiles. What does that mean? That German soldiers would be attacking Russia," he argued. The Taurus is also in Sweden and Spain's arsenal, with no German soldiers involved, Putin pointed out.
Putin claimed that Taurus would have no bearing on the war's outcome, citing strategic Russian advantages on all fronts. "Our troops are pushing forward on the entire front," he said.
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Putin shared his doubts about the Ukrainian President's ability to sign a peace agreement, with his term ending in 2024. Despite the Ukrainian leadership making it clear that elections cannot be held under martial law, Zelensky retains all powers. Conversely, Putin is criticized for silencing political opposition in Russia using his autocratic regime.
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Putin also addressed the next round of talks in Istanbul, set to resume after June 22. Humanitarian efforts, such as prisoner exchanges and the recovery of dead soldiers, have shown positive results in the discussions mediated by Turkey.
When asked to comment on Israel's air strikes on Iranian cities, Putin was testy. "If they had seen how we supposedly destroy entire residential areas, they wouldn't be here to tell the tale," he retorted. Putin contends that Russian bombings target only military targets and weapons factories.
However, the devastation caused to civilian infrastructure in Ukraine and the high death toll in nearly three and a half years of war paints a stark contrast. Just last night, a Russian air strike in Kyiv killed at least 28 civilians, including 23 residents of a high-rise building.
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Russia is not scared of an arms race with NATO, Putin said, believing that Russia would handle any threats should they arise. NATO countries planning to boost defense spending to 5 percent of GDP is a dead end, according to Putin, who maintains that Russia will ensure its security. Putin denies that Russia plans to attack NATO countries, yet intelligence services and political experts warn of Russia's conquest ambitions extending beyond Ukraine and the potential for Russian aggression on NATO territory by 2029.
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Putin has offered to oversee Iran's peaceful use of nuclear power, alleviating fears in Israel over Iran developing nuclear weapons. He suggested this as a solution to Israel and the U.S., but the final decision rests with Jerusalem and Tehran. Putin believes that the Iranian leadership will remain unchanged due to Israeli air strikes.
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For the first time, Putin revealed that he's got a granddaughter, adding, "She speaks fluent Chinese with her kindergarten teacher from Beijing." The public had previously known that Putin has grandchildren but never knew of their identities.
The press conference with news agencies on day one of the Economic Forum took place this year on the renovated stage of the St. Petersburg Conservatory. Russia uses the forum to promote itself to the world, defying the international isolation sought by the West. Approximately 20,000 attendees from 140 countries are expected by Saturday.
Sources: ntv.de, mau/dpa
- Vladimir Putin
- Friedrich Merz
- Peace talks
- Attack on Ukraine
- Ukraine
In the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin addressed the potential for a discussion with Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, regarding the conflict in Ukraine, which has been a topic of controversy and politics in general news. On the matter of military equipment, Putin warned against Germany's involvement in the supply of Taurus missiles to Ukraine, claiming it could lead to a confrontation and adverse effects on Russian-German relations.
