"Got a message for ol' Merz" Putin extends olive branch to Merz, issues Taurus warning
Merz receives an invitation from Putin for a discussion.
In a candid Q&A session with international media, President Putin spoke frankly about the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as offering a dialogue to the newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz – but not without a touch of caution.
For the first time since Merz took office, Putin publicly addressed the German leader. While Merz has continually called on the Russian president to cease the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Putin reiterated that his military has the strategic advantage in all directions and the Russian troops are advancing on the front lines, albeit at a heavy cost.
However, Russia remains open to dialogue with Merz, if he is willing to engage. Putin stressed that Russia is always open to contacts with Europe, signaling a cautious optimism for improved relations.
But the Kremlin chief did not mince his words regarding the potential supply of Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine. With Germany’s recent provision of Leopard tanks to Ukraine, Putin views any further military aid as seriously undermining Germany’s neutrality and damaging Russia-Germany relations. Putin made it clear that such a move will not alter combat dynamics but will “completely ruin” bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Merz and his government are yet to make a final decision on supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine. With growing tension between the two countries, Merz himself has not ruled out meeting Putin, while some German politicians have urged the Chancellor to pursue dialogue with the Russian president.
As the economic forum in St. Petersburg continues, Putin and his administration use the platform to present a favorable image of Russia and defy international isolation, with over 20,000 participants from around the world in attendance.
Sources: ntv.de, mau/dpa
- Vladimir Putin
- Friedrich Merz
- Peace talks
- Attack on Ukraine
- Ukraine
Enrichment Data:
Putin's stance towards Merz shows a cautious optimism for dialogue, indicating that improved relations are possible if Merz is open to communication. However, Putin's warnings regarding the Taurus missiles highlight his concerns about further military aid to Ukraine, and he views any such move as seriously damaging Russia-Germany relations[1][3].
On the other hand, Merz has not made a final decision on supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine, with negotiations ongoing. Some German officials have cautioned against the delivery of Taurus missiles, while Merz himself has not ruled out meeting Putin[1][2].
This nuanced position by both leaders underscores the ongoing tension between diplomatic engagement and military support in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Putin is open to talks but conditions relations on Germany’s military aid stance, particularly regarding the Taurus missiles[1][2][3].
- "Despite the ongoing tension in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown a cautious optimism for dialogue with newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, yet he has expressed concerns about potential German supply of Taurus missiles to Ukraine, which he believes would seriously damage Russia-Germany relations."
- "In the wake of the parliament's resolution on the situation in the Middle East, the political implications of potential arms aid, such as Taurus missiles, to Ukraine, as discussed between Putin and Merz, remain a significant point of general-news focus, as both leaders navigate the delicate balance between diplomacy and military support in the Ukraine conflict."
