German Chancellor Angela Merkel minced no words in criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin for Russia's interventionist policies in southeastern Europe. Her views were shared by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, who warned of Russia's move to annex Abkhazia, a breakaway region in Georgia.

Like Us on Facebook

Merkel foresees a confrontation with Moscow, blaming Putin's USSR-mentality that Eastern Europe is still Russia's territory. She said Russia's conflict with the West over Ukraine messes up Europe's peaceful setting, but she is confident that Moscow will not succeed in such efforts.

"This is not just about Ukraine. This is about Moldova, this is about Georgia," the Wall Street Journal quoted the chancellor on Monday. "And if this continues then one will have to ask about Serbia and one will have to ask about the countries of the Western Balkans."

The cold shoulder treatment given to Putin at the G20 Summit in Brisbane over the weekend became even more pronounced when Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper bluntly told Putin on Saturday that he needs to move out of Ukraine's territory, Time relayed.

On the same night, Merkel had a six-hour unscheduled meeting with Putin as the two leaders tackled the Ukraine conflict. While the Russian leader tried to clarify Russia's approach to the situation, Merkel was not convinced, as reflected in her Monday speech.

Meanwhile, the Georgian PM spoke against the treaty that Russia entered with Abkhazia, now under Moscow's control, saying it is a major move towards Russia annexing the breakaway region.

In Brussels, European Union foreign ministers were not in favor of broader economic sanctions against Russia, although they said they would rely more on diplomacy even if Moscow appears bent on expanding its territory beyond Ukraine.

U.S. officials also agree with Merkel's assessment, noting that Russia stepped over its neighbor's sovereignty, threatening Europe's international order and peace.

Putin, however, insisted that Russia has to keep its influence in Eastern Europe to protect the nation against "Western hegemony" and interest of residents from these countries who allegedly want closer ties to Moscow.

In an interview with a German TV network before the G20 Summit, Putin said Russia expects the Ukraine crisis to end and is interested in restoring normal relations with its trading partners such as Europe and the U.S.

Putin pointed out that Russia's trade with Germany has created 300,000 jobs in Germany and continued economic sanctions would eventually stunt Germany's economic growth.

Tagsangela merkel, Georgia, Ukraine crisis, russia-ukraine, Cold war-style conflct