Pass the Buck to Moscow A Possible Solution to the Nord Stream 2 Conundrum An Op-Ed by Wolfgang Ischinger With Joe Biden's election, trans-Atlantic relations are on the upswing. But the natural gas pipeline Nord Stream 2 threatens to derail the renewal. Germany needs to come up with a new approach, and passing the buck to Moscow might help.
The EU Relationship with Russia European Unity and Determination Offer a Path Forward A Guest Editorial by Michael Roth (SPD), State Minister in the German Foreign Ministry Continuing to focus on dialogue with Moscow does not meet coddling President Vladimir Putin or ignoring Russian transgressions. Europe needs to present a united and determined front in its relationship with Russia.
Russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny Thanks Germany and Describes His Poisoning with Novichok Speaking to DER SPIEGEL in his first interview with the media following his poisoning, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny expresses his "tremendous gratitude to all Germans."
Navalny and Nord Stream 2 Germany Unable to Reach Agreement on Sanctions against Russia The German government wants to stand up to Moscow following the attempted murder of opposition activist Alexei Navalny. But suspending construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline is a step too far for many. What will Berlin do?
Navalny Poisoning Germany Debates Halting Contentious Russian Pipeline Project Leading politicians in Germany from all mainstream parties are demanding that construction on the natural gas pipeline Nord Stream 2 be suspended as a result of the poisoning of Alexei Navalny. But Merkel's government is so far resisting such calls.
The Russian Patient Belarus, the Kremlin and the Attack on Alexei Navalny Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's condition is apparently improving as he receives treatment in Berlin. But was he really poisoned at the behest of the Kremlin? There is plenty to indicate that he was.
Rapprochement or Penalties? Germany Struggles to Find United Stance on Russia Russian aggression in Syria has divided Merkel's coalition government. The chancellor isn't opposed to more sanctions, but the Social Democrats favor a conciliatory approach -- and are preparing to use the issue in the coming election campaign. By SPIEGEL Staff
Gorbachev Interview 'I Am Truly and Deeply Concerned' In a SPIEGEL interview, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev discusses the dangers of poor relations between Russia and the West in the Ukraine crisis, saying there is a danger that things could get worse. Germany, he says, has a significant role to play. Von Matthias Schepp und Britta Sandberg
Relations at Rock Bottom Cracks Form in Berlin Over Russia Stance A political solution is more distant than ever in the Russia conflict, with the German government and EU having exhausted their diplomatic options. A rift may now be growing between Chancellor Merkel and her foreign minister over Berlin's tough stance against Moscow. Von SPIEGEL Staff
Putin's Reach Merkel Concerned about Russian Influence in the Balkans Berlin has begun to see Moscow as an adversary rather than as a potential partner. The German government is concerned about efforts by Russian President Vladimir Putin to increase his influence in the Balkans. Stopping him, however, could prove difficult. Von SPIEGEL Staff
Editorial No Special Path for Germany in Ukraine Crisis To contain the forces of madness in Ukraine, the West must prepare to work together with Russian President Vladimir Putin. If he doesn't comply and continues to lie, then tough sanctions must follow. For Germany, there can be no special path.
A Sober Look It's Time To Stop Romanticizing Russia The view Germans have of Russia is skewed by romanticism and historical baggage. Without taking a sober look at Moscow, we will never find an adequate strategy for dealing with Vladimir Putin's conservative, anti-Western approach to power. Von Christian Neef
How Western Is Germany? Russia Crisis Spurs Identity Conflict Many Germans feel a special bond to Russia. This makes the Ukraine crisis particularly dangerous for Berlin because it raises important questions about the very nature of German identity. Are we as deeply rooted in the West as most believe? Von Christiane Hoffmann
NATO's Putin Conundrum Berlin Considers Its Alliance Options German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen has demanded a stronger NATO presence in Eastern Europe. But that makes some in Chancellor Merkel's government uncomfortable. As the alliance moves to reassure eastern allies, Berlin considers its options. Von SPIEGEL Staff
Dancing with the Bear Merkel Seeks a Hardline on Putin German Chancellor Angela Merkel has spent many years trying to understand Russian President Vladimir Putin. But even she didn't expect him to annex Crimea. Now, she and her European counterparts are struggling to come up with a response. Von SPIEGEL Staff
Crimea Sanctions Europe Should Impose Stiffer Penalties Germany has said it wants to take on greater responsibility in foreign policy -- and the Crimea crisis offers a golden opportunity to do so. Berlin should impose tougher penalties against Russia, even if it would hurt the German economy. Von David Böcking
Economic War with Russia A High Price for German Business The EU has imposed new sanctions to prevent Vladimir Putin from further escalating the crisis in Ukraine. Berlin has played a leading role in the punitive actions, despite protests from the German business community. There's no turning back for Merkel. Von SPIEGEL Staff
'No Reason for Concern' Energy Exec Says Ukraine Crisis Not Bad for Business The political crisis between Europe and Russia continues to worsen and sanctions are coming. But Johannes Teyssen, CEO of utility giant E.on is unconcerned. He says the Moscow-Berlin partnership has promoted peace on the continent and warns against gambling it away. Von Frank Dohmen und Stefan Schultz
Maintaining Russian Power How Putin Outfoxed the West In one of his many foreign-policy successes this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin has used power politics and blackmail to bring Ukraine back into Russia's sphere of influence. But what is the Kremlin leader's secret to success? Von Christian Neef und Matthias Schepp
Opinion Tough on Russia, Easy on America When it comes to their approach to foreign policy with Russia, German Chancellor Merkel and President Gauck aren't messing around. Perhaps it has to do with their backgrounds in East Germany. They show the US significantly more leniency. Von Jakob Augstein