In an interview with Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said that the West should lift anti-Russian sanctions as they harm both Moscow and Europe.
The ex-chancellor supported Bavarian Prime Minister Horst Seehofer on the issue of the withdrawal of anti-Russian sanctions.
Earlier, Seehofer was accused by his colleagues of playing
into Putin's hands after he stressed the negative impact of anti-Russian
sanctions on the German economy.
Schroeder said that during his recent visit to Moscow, the Bavarian Prime Minister acted "solely in the interests of Germany" and did not attempt to pursue a course different from that of Berlin.
Schroeder said that during his recent visit to Moscow, the Bavarian Prime Minister acted "solely in the interests of Germany" and did not attempt to pursue a course different from that of Berlin.
"Sanctions are hurting both sides," Schroeder told the newspaper.
"They don't help to resolve the conflict, but only create obstacles. It
is therefore necessary to gradually abandon them," the politician said.
The former chancellor also did not leave without drawing attention
to the tensions between NATO and the Russian Federation. He mentioned
that stationing NATO forces along the Russian border has had a negative
impact on Berlin's foreign policy.
"We also need a new NATO policy towards Russia.
I consider it too risky that the alliance is now building up its
military presence on the Russian-European border, thereby destroying the
basis of our Ostpolitik," the politician stated.
Gerhard Schroeder has repeatedly opposed the decision of the West
to extend sanctions against Russia. The politician said that the
restrictive measures are counterproductive, while a constructive
dialogue with Moscow is essential for ensuring European security.
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