In a speech before the German Federal Parliament (the Bundestag), the Prime Minister stressed the need to punish the right people. “When appropriate, they are responsible for the repressive actions of the army, not the employees of the nearly 150 European companies, most of them German companies,” he added.
Maas also drew attention to the negative effects of stopping the construction of the gas pipeline.
The complete economic isolation of Russia and China will unite the two countries and thus create the largest economic and military alliance in the world. As he said, this cannot be the strategy of the West. “That is why I am against breaking all bridges with Russia,” he added.
The head of the German diplomacy opposed the adoption of sanctions against Moscow in the Council of Europe, whose primary goal is to protect human rights. “Russia’s participation in the Council of Europe means that millions of Russian citizens have access to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in Strasbourg. Can we really take this opportunity from them?” Mas raised.
Navalny returned to Russia in January after receiving treatment in Germany, according to German experts, after Novikok was assassinated with a neurotoxin. In Russia, on January 23 and 31 and February 2, there were demonstrations of sympathy in addition to Navalny, who was arrested upon his return and sentenced to prison for violating suspended prison sentences. In January, more than 11,000 people were arrested during the riots.
Cover photo: Getty Images
