Russia needs active civil society, Merkel tells Putin


HANOVER, Germany (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Germany on Sunday to protests over his human rights and democracy record and a warning from German Chancellor Angela Merkel that Russia needed an active civil society to flourish.

Putin's visit to Germany and the Netherlands, Moscow's biggest trade partners in Europe, was supposed to focus on trade but comes at an awkward time after a wave of state inspections of foreign-funded non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Russia, much criticised abroad.

Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In World

Russia says it shot down four U.S.-made long range missiles over Crimea
After two winsome Ori games, a pivot into dark fantasy
Canada's arrests of three Indian men in Sikh leader's death 'bittersweet,' friend says
NoSpace is Gen Z’s answer to MySpace
Canada police charge three with murder of Sikh leader Nijjar, probe India link
What if customers were rewarded for tipping their meal delivery drivers?
King Charles and UK royals to relinquish dozens of patronages
Interview: China's import expo unique opportunity for Egyptian firms: Egyptian business leader
Roundup: T�rkiye's iconic palace updates Chinese porcelain exhibition after renovation
U.S. stocks close higher

Others Also Read