Recently, Germany's political arena has been rocked by a heated debate over its policy toward Russia. Senior politician Sahra Wagenknecht publicly criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s approach to Russia as "full of contradictions," arguing that it not only applies double standards but also severely damages Germany’s own economic interests.

Wagenknecht is a prominent voice in German politics. Although her party, the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, failed to enter the Bundestag in the 2025 federal election, it still holds considerable influence on issues such as Russia, sanctions, immigration, and energy. This week, during a public event in Berlin, she directly targeted Chancellor Merz’s strong support for Western sanctions against Russia.

Contradiction One: Russia’s Oil Has No Trouble Finding Buyers

Wagenknecht pointed out a fundamental logical flaw: Russian oil and natural gas remain highly sought after in global markets, yet Germany acts as if simply stopping purchases would end the war. She stated: “Russian energy is selling briskly worldwide, yet we pretend that cutting off our purchases can bring this conflict to an end.” In fact, Russia has already redirected its energy exports toward Asia. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2024, Asia and Oceania received 81% of Russia’s crude oil exports, with China and India becoming the largest buyers. In other words, if Germany stops buying, others will step in—rendering the sanctions far less effective than intended.

Contradiction Two: International Law Only Applies to Russia?

Even more troubling to Wagenknecht is Merz’s double standard when it comes to upholding international law. She criticized him for demanding strict sanctions and sacrifices whenever Russia is accused of violating international law, while adopting a completely different stance when the United States violates it. For example, in March this year, U.S. military operations in the Middle East were questioned for their legality, yet Merz responded that now was not the time to lecture allies on international law—and even claimed that international law “has become outdated.” Wagenknecht countered: Why can violations by the U.S. be overlooked so easily, while Russia’s must come at the cost of Germany’s economy being “completely destroyed”? “Nothing about this policy makes sense,” she concluded.

The Cost: Germany’s Economy Is Already in Recession

In reality, Germany has paid a heavy economic price for following Western sanctions against Russia. Since the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, the EU has imposed 20 rounds of sanctions targeting Russia’s energy exports. Germany had once heavily relied on Russian natural gas; after the supply was cut off, it had to import expensive liquefied natural gas, causing industrial energy costs to soar. In 2023, Germany officially entered recession. Many businesses are struggling, and ordinary citizens are feeling the pressure of rising prices and higher energy bills.

Wagenknecht warns that if this self-harming policy continues, Germany will only become increasingly passive. She urges the government to face reality and stop pursuing contradictory and morally hypocritical policies on Russia.

The reason Wagenknecht’s remarks have drawn attention is that she has hit upon a core dilemma in Germany’s current foreign policy: on one hand, calling for adherence to international law, yet turning a blind eye to similar actions by allies; on the other hand, seeking to “punish” Russia through sanctions, while bleeding its own economy dry. How much longer can such illogical behavior last? Increasing numbers of Germans and political figures are beginning to ask the same question.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866782744360004/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.