Kat Johnson '24 | Russian and German Relations

 

[AP Photo]

The recent tension between Russia and Ukraine has led to strained relations between Russia and Germany. After urging Germans to leave Ukraine due to the threat of conflict, Germany has now halted the certification of Nord Stream 2, an important Russian natural gas pipeline completed last year. The decision comes in response to the Kremlin’s recognition of two separatist regions in Ukraine. Consequently, the situation has prompted Germany to invest in searching for a natural gas source outside of Russia. Germany’s current reliance on Russian natural gas has led to a shortage of natural gas and a spike in prices in Germany as well as across Europe. 

One idea for a new energy source has been to reevaluate plans for a liquified natural gas terminal on the northern coast of Germany. Liquified natural gas could be a costly but feasible solution, as the country cannot completely abandon natural gas for greener alternatives. While Germany utilizes renewable energy, natural gas is still a primary fuel source for the country. This has been and will continue to be a significant test of new chancellor, Olaf Scholz’s leadership, as he has emphasized the importance of pulling away from Germany’s dependence on Russian natural gas and diversifying their energy sources.   

            While the decision over Nord Stream 2 was welcomed by Ukraine, the action increased tension in German-Russian relations. A spokesman from the Kremlin criticized the withdrawal, arguing the project is not political, but rather a significant economic and commercial project benefiting the European gas market. In recent history, Germany and Russia have had a positive relationship, are large trade partners, and have had significant connections through the export of natural gas. With Russia and Ukraine on the edge of war, we will see how German-Russian relations evolve and change.