Russian President Vladimir Putin issued an apology to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday, explaining that he did not intend to frighten her when he brought his pet Labrador.
Merkel, who has a well-known fear of dogs, recounted the incident in her memoir released Tuesday, accusing Putin of using the dog as a “demonstration of power” and taking pleasure in her unease.
“I was unaware she was afraid of dogs,” Putin said during a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan.
“I want to say once again, through the media: ‘Angela, please forgive me. I never wanted to cause you distress. On the contrary, my intention was to foster a positive atmosphere for our discussion,’” he added.
Putin further remarked, “If you ever—though I realize it’s unlikely—visit again, I assure you, this will not happen under any circumstances.”
Photos from their 2007 meeting in Sochi show Putin’s black Labrador Retriever, Konni, wandering nearby as Merkel sat stiffly, smiling nervously.
In her memoir, Merkel reflected on the encounter, stating, “I could see from Putin’s expression that he was enjoying the situation.”
Known for his fondness for dogs, Putin has frequently received them as gifts from visiting officials. Konni, the Labrador in question, was given to him by Sergei Shoigu, who later became Russia’s defense minister.
