Merkel’s Putin Remarks Seen as Bid for Political Comeback

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel's recent statement warning European leaders against underestimating Russian President Vladimir Putin may reflect an attempt to restore her political relevance and return to the international agenda, political analyst Maxim Bardin told Pravda.Ru. Earlier, Merkel said during an interview with broadcaster WDR that Western politicians risk making a strategic mistake by underestimating the Russian leader. Analyst Suggests Merkel Is Positioning Herself as a Negotiator According to Bardin, Merkel's comments come at a time when European officials continue searching for possible channels of dialogue between Brussels and Moscow.