Former German chancellor claims Russian leader used psychological tactics to unsettle her during their meetings, including bringing his Labrador to a meeting despite knowing her fear of dogs

The former German chancellor’s memoirs are out. And she’s saying a lot more in public than she did in 16 years.

Angela Merkel has accused Vladimir Putin of exploiting her fear of dogs as part of his “power games” during a meeting with her at his Black Sea resort. In extracts from her book Freiheit [Freedom], published by German newspaper Die Zeit,