Nechayev says Russian Federation ready to work with Mertz government

The Russian Federation is ready to work with the government and all legitimate political forces in Germany that represent German voters. Russian Ambassador to Berlin Sergey Nechayev told Izvestia.

Change of power: German elections won by the opposition CDU/CSU party

Friedrich Merz will be the new chancellor.

"I can repeat that we are ready to work with the government, with all legitimate political forces of the FRG, which represent German voters, who were chosen by the German people. Burning bridges, stopping dialog, expulsions, closing diplomatic missions, abandoning unique formats of bilateral cooperation is not our way. Breaking is not building. We will judge the new Cabinet of Ministers by its deeds, not by election rhetoric. We expect that Berlin will draw certain conclusions and will not want to repeat the mistakes of the previous coalition," the diplomat said.

According to him, it is obvious to everyone that the proclaimed "change of epochs" with regard to Russia has not only failed, but has led Germany into a dead end.

"Attempts to inflict a 'strategic defeat' on Russia, destabilize it from within, strangle it with sanctions, put ultimatums - none of this works. Russia's interests will have to be taken into account," he said confidently.

On April 9, 2025, the CDU/CSU and SPD signed a coalition pact, which states that Russia poses "the greatest threat" to Germany, and the future government intends to adhere to a sanctions regime against it.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz could become Germany's new chancellor.

Read more in Sergey Nechaev's exclusive interview with Izvestia:

"Tens of thousands of former SS members continue to receive social support from the FRG budget."