Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck does not rule out that coal-fired power plants in Germany will have to run longer in order to make the country more independent of Russia in terms of energy policy.
"Pragmatism must beat any political determination, security of supply must be guaranteed," said the Green politician on Deutschlandfunk on Wednesday.
In case of doubt, this security is more important than climate protection.
In the medium term, however, independence in energy policy and climate-neutral energy production are the same thing.
The more Germany relies on its own energy sources, the more confidently the country can react in foreign policy.
In recent years, dependence on Russian energy supplies has increased, said Habeck.
"We maneuvered ourselves into a corner there," said the minister.
But even if Russia should stop its gas supplies, one is prepared.
"I can give the all-clear for the current winter and summer, we would get through that well."
Habeck, who traveled to the United States for political talks on Monday, reported that after the U-turn in defense policy, Germany was perceived there as a strong partner.
The US and Europe fight for the same values - even if the US has a strong interest of its own in trade and energy policy.
Regarding the change of course in German defense policy, Habeck said: "The arms deliveries, which have now been decided, might have been a measure to prevent war." To be honest, however, one has to say that Russian President Vladimir Putin would have done little to stop him to attack Ukraine.