Putin enjoys Merkel's fear of dogs during tense meeting

In a memoir, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel recalled an incident from 2007 where Russian President Vladimir Putin brought his Labrador to a meeting, knowing that she was afraid of dogs. This particular meeting occurred during her tenure as chancellor, which lasted from 2005 to 2021, and became famous in Germany for its awkwardness. Merkel observed Putin's enjoyment of the situation through his facial expressions as he made her the subject of an unusual political mind game. She felt compelled to respond during the photo op, alluding to the fact that the dog did not pose a threat to journalists. Merkel noted she chose not to address her fear openly, adhering to her principle of "never explain, never complain." The encounter illustrated a significant characteristic of Putin's approach to his relationships with global leaders. During their discussions, he often engaged in power plays, which included keeping Merkel waiting at official events and using his dog as a means to assert control and unsettle his counterparts. This particular meeting also highlighted broader geopolitical tensions, as Merkel recalled Putin's comments regarding impoverished communities in Siberia easily manipulated by foreign influences, particularly in reference to the 2004 Orange Revolution in Ukraine, an event that Russia viewed with skepticism. Moreover, Merkel's reflections shed light on her cautious approach toward Russia and the complexities involved in forging closer ties between Germany and Russia throughout her chancellorship. She defended her record, arguing that Ukraine's delayed entry into NATO was a protective measure against conflict and emphasized the necessity of recognizing Russia's significant nuclear capabilities. This incident left a lasting impression not only on Merkel but also on the dynamics of international relations, marking a point at which Putin's behavior and the psychological tactics employed in diplomacy became apparent. It served as an example of the intricate psychological games that characterized some of Merkel's interactions with Putin, reflecting her views on him as a leader wary of vulnerability and adept at exploiting the fears of others, even in seemingly informal settings.