German-Russian relations at freezing point
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine destroyed the once-close relationship between Moscow and Berlin. Yet the far-right AfD is calling for a normalization of relations.
Germany and Russia enjoyed a perfect partnership for many years, with Russia supplying cheap energy to power German industry's global exports. The relationship was cemented by Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and later Angela Merkel, alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite Russia annexing Crimea in 2014, trade continued. The construction of Nord Stream 2, a direct gas pipeline between Russia and Germany, was signed, despite warnings from other European nations and the US that it would give Russia more leverage.
When Russian tanks entered Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Germany's hopes for stability and Russia's liberalization vanished. Shortcomings in German-Russian relations have become apparent ever since. Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed a "Zeitenwende" (epochal shift) in foreign policy, and Germany has since halted its energy dependency on Russia, closing Nord Stream 2.
EU sanctions have further limited trade, and cultural, scientific, and educational cooperation has virtually ceased. While Germany's support for Ukraine has faced criticism domestically, the government remains committed. However, some experts foresee the need for a change in Germany's approach to the conflict.
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