Merkel next to Putin, calls annexation of Crimea illegal (video)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the annexation of Crimea ‘illegal’ while standing next to Putin at a press conference in Moscow. She criticized Russia’s actions all of a sudden, BBC reports.

“The illegal annexation of Crimea that violates the international law and the armed conflict in East Ukraine have undermined our relations dramatically,” Merkel commented on relations with Russia. However, all conflicts should be solved peacefully with the help of a dialogue, she added.