Russia is a vital trading partner, not an ally: German Gov
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Businessmen, but not friends.
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German spokesman: Russia is a vital trading partner, not an ally
German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said on Wednesday that Germany considers Russia an important trading partner, but not an ally.
"Russia is not an ally," Hebestreit said at a briefing, adding that Germany considers countries that share the same political values - "democracy" - the rule of law and human rights, as allies. However, according to Germany, Russia is an important trading partner.
Furthermore, the spokesperson said that there is no proof that Russia is not fulfilling its contractual obligations regarding gas deliveries to Germany.
"I would like to add, in order to avoid ... insinuations, that we have no evidence that the Russian side is not fulfilling its supply agreements," the spokesperson said during a briefing.
To back this claim, the Ministry of Economy spokesperson Beate Baron said that gas storage facilities in Germany are between 40-41% full and that Germany's energy security is ensured.
“Energy security in Germany is still ensured at the moment, of course, we must monitor the situation very carefully. Gas storage facilities are now 40-41% full, which, of course, is significantly lower than in previous years,” Baron told a briefing.
However, despite all, Germany's position on weapon supply to Ukraine has not changed, according to the Defense Ministry on Wednesday.
"Nothing has changed in the position of the federal government regarding the supply of weapons to Ukraine," Baron said.
Qatar emir to visit Biden for talks on natural gas supplies to Europe
On Monday, the Emir of Qatar will meet US President Joe Biden in the White House to discuss plans and efforts to provide natural gas to Europe in case of a Russian invasion in Ukraine, according to Axios.
Europe is 40% reliant on Russian natural gas, and this undermines Biden's attempts to stir up sanctions that are made to coerce Russia if tensions in Ukraine lead to conflict. The sanctions, apparently, will be imposed from both sides of the Atlantic.
The White House is aiming to secure Qatar's help in assuring European allies that they can enforce hawkish sanctions on Russia with minimal damage regarding the energy crisis.
