Brandenburg’s Minister President Dietmar Woidke has indicated that a return to importing affordable energy from Russia could be conceivable in the future, although currently deemed highly improbable.
Speaking to the Handelsblatt, Woidke emphasized that the possibility hinges entirely on a significant shift in Russia’s behavior. He acknowledged that while the ongoing nighttime attacks on Ukrainian cities and the loss of innocent lives make such a prospect presently untenable, it could be revisited if Russia were to demonstrate a commitment to civilized relations with its neighbors and embrace a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
Woidke placed the responsibility for achieving this resolution squarely on the Kremlin and its leader, Vladimir Putin. He stated that Putin’s continued adherence to the war effort, regardless of the cost, prevents a return to previous trade relationships. He stressed that all NATO member states and democratic partners worldwide must consistently advocate for an end to the conflict. Those who believe a conciliatory approach towards Putin will resolve the situation are profoundly mistaken, according to the Minister President.