German politician calls for easing sanctions on Russia, sparking backlash

Germany should consider easing sanctions on Russia, said Michael Kretschmer, the premier of the eastern German state of Saxony and a senior member of the centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU).

Kretschmer argued that the European Union’s punitive measures against Moscow were ultimately harming Europe more than Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling for a discussion on potentially resuming economic or energy ties with Russia, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

“When you realise that you’re weakening yourself more than your opponent, then you have to think about whether all of this is right,” Kretschmer told German media.

Kretschmer’s comments have stirred significant backlash, especially from pro-Ukraine figures. His remarks come at a time when several other German politicians, both from the CDU and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), have also advocated for a reset of relations with Russia, citing the importance of economic ties and energy security.

The debate has put pressure on CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become Germany’s next chancellor. Merz, who has positioned himself as a strong supporter of Ukraine, now faces criticism from Germany’s Green party, which accused him of not taking a firm stance against members of his party seeking to revive relations with Moscow.

Britta Haßelmann, parliamentary co-leader of the Green party, urged Merz to “clamp down on ‘friends of Putin’ in his party,” referencing the historical ties between Germany and Russia, especially in the energy sector.

Recent statements from several CDU politicians have suggested a willingness to revisit ties with Russia once a peace agreement is reached in Ukraine. Thomas Bareiß, a CDU MP, hinted at the possibility of restarting the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, stating that “relations will normalize, the embargoes will be lifted sooner or later and, of course, #gas can flow again.”

By Vafa Guliyeva