Renowned table, Putin big distance even with Chancellor

Olaf Scholzi is holding his presentation visit as the new German Chancellor in Moscow. He has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The crisis at Russia-Ukraine border is the focus of negotiations.

The most important thing is that we manage relations between countries with good discussions with each other”, Scholzi said during his meeting with Putin, adding that he was pleased that the two leaders could meet face to face.

He also praised “the very regular trade relations” between the two countries, while acknowledging the difficult “>” for peace and security in Europe.

Before the talks, Putin said Russian-German co-operation on energy was a priority for Moscow. In his opening address, Putin emphasised economic ties, while noting “heated differences” about Ukraine.

Unfortunately, we will devote a considerable part of our time to issues related to the situation in Europe and security”, Putin said.

Berlin's Relations With Moscow

Germany faced a difficult situation in the face of the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. She is both a NATO member and an important trade partner of Russia.

Scholzi travelled to Moscow from Kiev, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to strengthen Berlin's support in the face of Russian aggression.

Berlin has repeatedly declared its support for Ukrainian sovereignty, but has been less enthusiastic about threats to abandon the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which would bring Russian gas directly to Germany.

Germany has also been criticised for refusing to sell weapons to Kiev, as the region is an active conflict zone.

However, Germany has not been spared problems from its Russian partners. The Kremlin banned Deutsche Welle from broadcasting to Russia after Russian state-backed channel RT did not receive a legal broadcast license in Germany.

Economic Ties at Risk

On Tuesday, Russia also indicated it was open for further discussions to avoid open military conflict, announcing that some soldiers who had participated in military exercises near Ukraine have returned to their bases.

However, Germany joined a plague of other states Sunday, urging its citizens in Ukraine to leave the country immediately, fearing a close invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Scholz's trip is a last-minute “attempt... to avoid war”, but “is up to Putin to send despass signals now”, German conservative deputy Thomas Silberhorn told DW.

Regarding the action plan for sanctions, Silberhorn warned that they would go too far beyond economic sanctions”, questioning “all relations between Russia and Western countries”.

Asked about Germany's position on NordStream 2, Silberhorn said that “Germania is ready to include the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in a series of sanctions from Western countries”, but as part of a broader package of sentences.