Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned against ignoring Russia's threats in the context of the war in Ukraine as a bluff.
She said this at a ceremony dedicated to the 77th anniversary of the Süddeutsche Zeitung in Munich.
Merkel said the attack on Ukraine was a "profound turning point" and that "we are all strongly advised to take words seriously and not to classify them as a bluff from the start."
She emphasized that a strong peace in Europe can be achieved only with the participation of Russia.
"Until we have succeeded in doing this, the Cold War is really not over yet," Merkel was quoted as saying by DPA.
The other day, Merkel advised to take Putin's nuclear threats seriously.
In June, Merkel predicted that her resignation as head of government could influence Putin's decision to launch a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.
