MOSCOW, July 11 (RIA Novosti) — Russian President Vladimir Putin may meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Brazil Sunday, when both attend the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, Reuters reported Friday citing a German government spokesman.
«It is certainly possible that there will be a meeting and a short conversation with President Putin, but due to the tight schedule it is unlikely this would be a comprehensive discussion. We have to wait and see," spokesman Steffen Seibert said during a regular government press conference.
Putin began his Latin American trip in Cuba on Friday and will travel to Brazil for the World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro on July 13, when the German Chancellor will watch her countrymen play Argentina for football’s most coveted title.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of tensions between Russia and the West over the Ukraine crisis, where clashes between government forces and separatists have claimed some 500 lives.
Putin will also meet envoys of the BRICS' five major emerging economies — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in Fortaleza on July 15.
