Merkel rejects accusations that she was always trying to "understand Putin"

Angela Merkelformer German Chancellor

There is no justification for his invasion of another country. But the discourse about Russia's interests should be allowed,

Merkel said

Understanding what Putin is doing by putting yourself in his shoes is not wrong,

she said

I would have preferred not to have seen this meeting, especially given that the whole of Russia, including President Putin, saw it,

she said

I recommend putting yourself in my shoes at that time. And I also recommend not to say immediately, when a different perspective emerges today, that you made the wrong decision then. I certainly don't accept that about my decision,

she said