Vladimir Putin again conveyed to Angela Merkel his condolences over the unprecedented floods in the west of Germany, which have led to numerous human losses and large-scale destruction. In turn, the Federal Chancellor expressed the hope that the wildfires in Yakutia will be extinguished shortly.
The leaders are satisfied with the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which is nearing completion. The President of Russia noted Germany’s consistent commitment to implementing this project, which is strictly a commercial venture and is designed to enhance energy security of Germany and the rest of the EU. Ms Merkel told Mr Putin about the discussion on the developments around the pipeline project with US President Joseph Biden in Washington. Vladimir Putin made his own comments on this subject.
As a separate issue, the President of Russia and the Chancellor of Germany discussed the opportunity to extend the agreement between Gazprom and Naftogaz Ukraine on transporting gas via Ukrainian territory after 2024 as well.
Exchanging views on the domestic Ukrainian crisis, in part, in the context of Ms Merkel’s meeting with President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky in Berlin on July 12, the President of Russia focused on the markedly discriminatory law On the Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine that was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada. It was also emphasised that Kiev must strictly fulfil the 2015 Minsk Package of Measures.
Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel agreed to continue their personal contacts.