Putin Denies Using Dog Koni to Intimidate Merkel, Apologizes Again

Vladimir Putin denied using his dog to intimidate Angela Merkel, apologizing for any distress caused during their 2007 meeting. Merkel, in her memoir, reflected on the incident as part of broader tensions with Putin, highlighting his penchant for power games.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has refuted claims that he deliberately used his Labrador, Koni, to intimidate former German Chancellor Angela Merkel during their 2007 meeting in Sochi. Merkel, who has a well-known fear of dogs, described the encounter in her new memoir Freedom, revealing that Koni roamed the room during their meeting, causing visible discomfort.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Putin insisted he was unaware of Merkel's fear at the time. "If I’d known, I would never have done it. On the contrary, I wanted to create a relaxed atmosphere," he said, adding that he later apologized to Merkel for the incident. Putin reiterated his regret, saying, "Angela, please forgive me. I didn’t mean to cause you any distress."

Merkel’s memoir recounts how she tried to maintain composure during the meeting despite Koni’s proximity. Reflecting on the situation, she suggested it might have been a subtle demonstration of power by Putin. However, she remained calm, focusing on the photographers in the room.

Merkel also highlighted other instances of tension with Putin, including a 2006 meeting where he gifted her a stuffed dog after complying with her request to keep Koni away. In her book, she expressed frustration with Putin's "self-righteousness" and power dynamics, which she saw as characteristic of his leadership style.

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Their complex relationship, marked by moments like these, underscores the broader challenges in Germany-Russia relations during Merkel’s tenure.