Saxony's Prime Minister Kretschmer is skeptical about the EU sanctions against Russia. He fears the impact on the German economy. He also calls for a "negotiated solution" between the Kremlin and the Ukrainian government and the use of Russian gas after the end of the war.
Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer is calling for Russian gas supplies to be resumed after the war. "We need long-term contracts for liquid gas deliveries from the USA, Qatar and other Arab countries," Kretschmer told the "Bild am Sonntag". "In addition, we finally have to develop our own natural gas in the North Sea. And when the war is over, we should use gas from Russia again."
In order to end the war, Germany should push for a negotiated solution together with other countries, said the CDU politician. "What is needed now is a joint diplomatic effort by the EU, the US, China, India and Japan. This war must be stopped."
These negotiations would not automatically result in Ukraine having to cede parts of its national territory. "There is not a single reason why Ukraine should give up even one square meter of its territory. War damage must be compensated by Russia, war criminals must be held accountable. This is the attitude that must be taken in peace talks," said Saxony's head of government.
"We can no longer resolve these issues on the battlefield. Europe must put more pressure on peace talks." Kretschmer reiterated his skepticism about EU sanctions against Russia. "Sanctions are always better than the use of weapons. But they must also have the necessary effect on the aggressor. We must be clear about the impact the sanctions will have on the German economy. A tsunami is building right now."
