Merkel urged to take Putin's statements about protecting Russia by all means seriously

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel believes it is necessary to take seriously the statements of Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced during his TV address on protection of the Russian Federation, TASS reports

Photo: www.reuters.com

While speaking at the opening of the Foundation of Former Federal Chancellor Helmut Kohl, she noted, “We need to take his words seriously.”

Angela Merkel also recommended not to dismiss the Russian leader’s statements as a bluff. “To take words seriously, not to dismiss them as a bluff, but to take them seriously, is by no means a sign of weakness, but a sign of political wisdom – which helps to keep room for manoeuvre or, not least, even the development of a new one,” she stressed.