The co-head of Germany’s Social Democrats party and frontrunner to become the next finance minister Lars Klingbeil dismissed swirling speculation over reviving pipeline gas deliveries from Russia after a potential peace deal for Ukraine.
Germany largely weaned itself off Russian energy supplies after the invasion of Ukraine three years ago and “this path must be followed consistently,” Klingbeil told public broadcaster ARD in an interview. He sees no way back “at all” and added that Germany is far from potentially normalizing relations with Russia due to the ongoing war against Ukraine.
High energy costs have been a key concern across German industry as Europe’s largest economy is trying to revive growth after two years of stagnation. Speculation over a return of Russian gas imports has been swirling ever since discussions over a potential ceasefire emerged, with some local industry representatives in the country’s east saying the cheaper supplies could help reignite momentum.