Germany’s Angela Merkel meets Russia’s Vladimir Putin

The two leaders discussed Syria, the conflict in Ukraine, the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, the Iran nuclear deal. Merkel was critical on press and cultural freedom, and a ceasefire breach in Ukraine.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the Iran nuclear deal was better than none at all in a press conference with Vladimir Putin on Friday, also criticizing a breach in the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine overnight before their meeting in Sochi.

Merkel was speaking at a press conference following talks with her Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, with Germany at odds with Russia over its support for the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad and its role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

What was said on Ukraine:

• Both leaders said the Minsk accord was the “only basis” to achieve peace in eastern Ukraine, and that work should continue in the so-called “Normandy” format — involving Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine.
• Merkel noted a “major breach” in the ceasefire in the region overnight.
• Putin said Russia would support UN international peace keepers in eastern Ukraine.
• Merkel stressed Ukraine should remain a gas transit country even after the Nord Stream 2 pipeline opens, said Germany was “ready to play its role.”
• Putin said that Russian gas may still flow to Ukraine: “Supplies will continue if they are economically viable,” Putin said.
• Putin found warm words on Donald Trump, saying “I understand the US president, he protects his business interests. He wants to push his product to the European market.” According to Putin, “Donald is not just the US president; he is also a strong, good entrepreneur.

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