Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday he apologized to the former German chancellor Angela Merkelregarding an incident where his Labrador was present during their 2007 meeting.
The former chancellor, who is known to fear animals, described the incident as a deliberate “show of power” by Putin in her memoir published Tuesday. “I could tell from Putin’s facial expressions that he was enjoying the situation,” Merkel wrote in her memoir.
“I didn’t know she was afraid of dogs. Angela, forgive me, I didn’t mean to make you upset,” the Russian president said at a press conference in Astana. He said his intention was to create a positive environment for their discussion.
“If you ever come back – I realize it’s unlikely – there’s no way I will,” he added.
Photographs from their Sochi meeting in 2007 showed Putin’s black Labrador Retriever, Konni, approaching while the German leader sat with a worried smile.
Putin, known to love dogs, received them as gifts from various visiting officials. Konni was introduced to him by Sergei Shoigu, who later became his Minister of Defense.