Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday apologised to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, regarding an incident where his Labrador was present during their 2007 meeting.
The former Chancellor, who is knows to fear animals, described the incident as Putin’s deliberate “demonstration of power” while taking pleasure in her unease in her memoir published on Tuesday.
“I could tell from Putin’s facial expressions that he was enjoying the situation,” Merkel wrote in her memoir.
“I did not know that she was afraid of dogs. Angela, please forgive me, I did not want to cause you any heartache,” the Russian president said during a press conference in Astana. He said his intention was to create a positive environment for their discussion.
“If you ever — I realise it is unlikely — come again, I will not do it under any circumstances,” he added.
Photographs from their 2007 Sochi meeting captured Putin’s black Labrador Retriever Konni approaching while the German leader sat with an uneasy smile.
Putin, who is known to like dogs, has received them as presents from various visiting officials. Konni was presented to him by Sergei Shoigu, who later became his defence minister.
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