Eastern German premier wants Russian energy after Ukraine war ends

The premier of the eastern German state of Saxony is calling for energy to be sourced from Russia again after the end of the war in Ukraine.

"It must be in our interest to resume energy supplies from Russia after a ceasefire," Michael Kretschmer told the Funke media group on Saturday.

"Russia must be a trading partner again in the future - without us becoming dependent on it again." Good economic relations also increase Germany's security, he said.

Kretschmer, who is from Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has repeatedly spoken out in favour of resuming Russian gas supplies when the war eventually ends. He has been criticized for this even from within the ranks of his own party.

The European Union has imposed wide-ranging sanctions on Moscow over the war in Ukraine, now into its fourth winter.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has characterized the measures as economic warfare. He has repeatedly pointed out that Europe in particular is suffering as a result. 

Kretschmer said Germany "must also consider the sanctions against Russia from our own economic perspective." German energy policy is leading to deindustrialization, he argued.

Asked whether he felt threatened by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kretschmer replied that "Russia has attacked another country. Therefore, we must position ourselves to defend ourselves."

This can only be achieved if Germany is economically strong, he said.