Putin hopes Iran war will shift focus from 'crimes' in Ukraine: German FM

AFP AFP
Mar 27, 2026
2 hrs ago

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned about the extent of Iran-Russia cooperation — Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned about the extent of Iran-Russia cooperation
Brendan SMIALOWSKI

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned about the extent of Iran-Russia cooperation
Brendan SMIALOWSKI

Russian President Vladimir Putin is hoping the war in the Middle East will shift the focus from his "crimes" in Ukraine, the German foreign minister said on Friday.

"Putin is cynically hoping that the escalation in the Middle East will divert our attention from his crimes in Ukraine," Johann Wadephul said during a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in France.

This page requires Javascript.

Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

More from this section

South Africa police clash with anti-immigrant protesters

South Africa police clash with anti-immigrant protesters

Arctic sea ice at lowest level ever this winter

Arctic sea ice at lowest level ever this winter

OSCE's 'chaotic' Ukraine evacuation put staff at risk: leaked report

OSCE's 'chaotic' Ukraine evacuation put staff at risk: leaked report

Originally published on doc.afp.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

Local Weather

Currently in Alexander City

68°

Cloudy

68° / 57°

10 AM

70°

11 AM

73°

12 PM

76°

1 PM

78°

2 PM

80°