With its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine as well as the so-called annexation of Ukrainian regions in both 2014 and 2022, Russia has violated the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law such as Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. This has had serious consequences for all areas of German-Russian relations.

The European Union, the G7 and many other partners worldwide have responded to the illegal war of aggression against Ukraine by imposing massive sanctions against Russia. EU measures include extensive financial sanctions and strict export controls, which are having a profound impact on Russia’s economy, financial system and access to cutting-edge technology.

Furthermore, the German Government has repeatedly condemned Russia’s hybrid activities, such as cyberattacks on institutions in Germany. Annual intergovernmental consultations have been suspended ever since the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Until the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, there was a vibrant exchange between Germany and Russia in the cultural and education sphere. Relations with Russian independent and democratic civil society entities, many of which are operating abroad in exile, are being maintained also under the changed circumstances. However, cooperation with Russian state authorities has been halted in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Remembrance of the past remains important to Germany. Germany is aware of its responsibility towards Russia and all post-Soviet states for the 27 million Soviet victims of the Second World War. It is committed to sincere remembrance based on historical facts that recognises the suffering of civilian victims in particular.