The contradictions between Putin and Merkel over Ukraine have become even greater
The contradictions between Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel on the crisis in Ukraine have become even greater, the Kommersant newspaper writes today, assessing the results of yesterday’s negotiations between the leaders of the Russian Federation and Germany in Sochi.
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The publication recalls that Merkel flew to Sochi, although earlier she herself “promised not to appear in Russia until the situation with Ukraine changes and until the Minsk agreements are implemented.”
However, the publication emphasizes, “after the negotiations in Bocharov Ruchey, the contradictions in the assessment of what is happening in the south-east of Ukraine became even more irreconcilable.”
This is how the newspaper journalist assessed the answers of Putin and Merkel at yesterday's press conference. The Russian leader, as is known, in his speech mentioned the coup in Kyiv, the tragedy in the Odessa House of Trade Unions, and also rejected accusations of confiscation of property of Ukrainian oligarchs in the Donbass.
Merkel, in turn, demanded the admission of Ukrainian troops to the border, rejected accusations of a coup in Ukraine, etc.
“After the press conference they went to lunch. They were served meat in large plates. And the portions on these plates were also large - just the way the Germans like it. This was, it seems, the only thing that Vladimir Putin could do to please Angela Merkel that day,” the newspaper concludes.
“Merkel understands that he will not move Putin now - he is satisfied with the state of affairs in Ukraine, and he wants to discuss Syria with Trump, not with her. It is important for both of them to show that in Europe they are the ones who are rearranging the checkers, and now there are simply no conditions for compromise on key issues,” the Vedomosti newspaper, in turn, writes about the negotiations.
Putin and Merkel's differences over Ukraine have deepened.