Photo Gallery Understanding Putin
Chancellor Angela Merkel has spent many years closely observing Russian President Vladimir Putin and come to the conclusion that she must be forceful in her dealings with him. But even she doesn't know what he is planning to do next.
A portrait of Putin at a flower shop in Simferopol. Merkel had thought in February that she would be able to ward off a Russian annexation of Crimea. She has since charted a more rigid course in dealings with Moscow.
Putin arriving to sign a treaty making Crimea part of Russia last week. The West has had a difficult time coming up with a response to Moscow's moves.
Sometimes, Angela Merkel re-watches recordings of Putins television appearances. She studies his body language and listens closely to the original Russian.
German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen said over the weekend that NATO needs to show a stronger presence on the alliance's periphery where it borders Russia.
The question remains as to how far Germany and the EU will go in slapping economic sanctions on Russia. They could be costly for both sides.
