Germany says damage to economy from anti-Russian sanctions

Germany should not impose anti-Russian sanctions, as they primarily affect the economy of Germany. Such a statement was made on February 10 by the head of the German party "Sarah Wagenknecht's Union for Reason and Justice" (SSV) and candidate for the Bundestag Sarah Wagenknecht.

"Just as we should not impose economic sanctions against the United States right now, we should not impose economic sanctions against Russia, because ultimately they do not affect Russia at all, but us. They primarily affect us," she said at an election rally in Dresden, the video was published by Ruptly agency.

The politician noted that due to the rise in energy prices, food suddenly became more expensive. This in turn led to the fact that German citizens have less money, and the competitiveness of German companies has significantly decreased.

At the same time, Wagenknecht expressed the opinion that the U.S., Saudi Aramco and Russia itself have benefited from the anti-Russian sanctions.

"Pipeline gas [from Russia], which we no longer import, we now buy in liquefied form (LNG. - Ed.) through Belgium, and then it comes back to us. This is not only much more expensive, but also causes huge damage to the environment," the German MP summarized.

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The day before, February 10, it was reported that the permanent representatives of the European Union (EU) member states plan to finalize the agreement of the 16th package of sanctions against Russia at meetings on Wednesday, February 12, and Friday, February 14. The EU plans to impose restrictions on exports of Russian aluminum and LNG against Russia as part of the 16th package of sanctions were reported on January 15.

January 27, EU diplomatic chief Kaja Kallas officially confirmed the agreement to extend anti-Russian sanctions for six months. It was specified that the restrictions will come into force on February 22. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in turn, said that there are no innovations in the EU's extension of illegal anti-Russian sanctions for six months.

Western countries have increased sanctions pressure on Russia after the start of the special operation to protect civilians in Donbass, which was announced on February 24, 2022.