"We need to strengthen the humanitarian dimension in the Syrian conflict, and by that I mean above all humanitarian aid to the Syrian people, and help the regions where refugees abroad can return," he said before an interview with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

He pointed out that there are one million in Jordan, as much in Lebanon, and 3 million in Turkey.

Germany has also welcomed hundreds of thousands since 2015, at the height of the migration crisis, which has shaken the cohesion of the European Union and weakened politically Angela Merkel.

Putin warned "this is potentially a huge burden for Europe," adding "that's why we have to do everything to get these people back home," which means concretely restoring basic services such as water supply or medical infrastructure.

In her part, the Chancellor said the priority in Syria was "to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe", without going into details.