Putin Responds to Question on Merkel’s Memoir, Denying He Intentionally Used Dog to Intimidate Her

TRANSCRIPT:

PUTIN: “Frankly, I’ve already told (Angela) Merkel, I didn’t know she was afraid of dogs. If I’d known, I would never have done it. On the contrary, I wanted to create a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere. I assumed that in Europe and in Germany, as far as I know, I lived there for almost five years — pets are treated very positively. On the contrary, I thought she would be pleased. I appeal to her again and say: Angela, please forgive me. I didn’t want to cause you any distress. On the contrary, I was trying to create a pleasant atmosphere for our conversation. I apologize. If you ever come again - of course, it’s unlikely today — but if all of a sudden you come someday, I will not do that under any circumstances.”