Putin apologizes for diplomatic dog blunder: A book reveals details

In the depths of diplomatic history, there is an anecdote that has gained new attention through Angela Merkel's memoirs 'Freedom'. A fateful encounter between the former German Chancellor and Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2007 once made international headlines. During a meeting in Sochi, Putin's black Labrador, Koni, entered the room uninvited, which obviously made Merkel, known for her fear of dogs, uncomfortable. Merkel, who had already requested restraint in advance because she feared dogs, was once again confronted with her fear in this situation in front of live cameras. In her book, she describes this incident as a 'trial of nerves' and portrays Putin's expression as amused. An encounter that raised questions about subtle displays of power. In retrospect, Putin apologized at a recent press conference, emphasizing that he was unaware of her fear and simply wanted to create a relaxed atmosphere. The Russian President even went so far as to offer Merkel another apology. His promise: Should Merkel visit Russia again, such a mishap would not occur. This episode reveals not only the fine nuances of diplomatic interactions but also the lasting impact of seemingly small episodes on the international stage.