German Chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated on October 2 that Russia’s actions during the August events were disproportionate, RIA Novosti news agency reported. 

“We do not have similar points of view [with Russia]; we believe that Russia’s reaction in this conflict was disproportionate,” Merkel said in St. Petersburg after talks with President Medvedev. 

“Now, it is essential to build up confidence [between the sides],” she added.

The Russian and German leaders last met in mid-August in Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi, where they discussed the situation around South Ossetia.