“It's no secret that Merkel is one of the pragmatic politicians. Germany is one of the countries most interested in economic relations with Russia, as it seeks to ensure guaranteed energy supplies. This is very important for the German economy, ”said the deputy.

According to Novikov, because of the "pragmatic interest", the German chancellor takes an adequate position with regard to Russia and makes such statements.

“Nevertheless, this does not negate the fact that Germany is part of the Euro-Atlantic community, an active member of NATO. As part of its foreign policy course, which is being formed taking into account these circumstances, Germany participates in a raft of sanctions against our country, in the deployment of a number of military bases near Russian borders. But Merkel, by her statement, sets priorities in relations with Russia. However, the vector of German politics still fits into the framework of the Euro-Atlantic course, ”he concluded.

Earlier, speaking at the congress of the Christian Democratic Union in Leipzig, Merkel announced the need for good-neighborly relations with Russia, despite the existing difficulties.