The CSU leader also rejected German arms deliveries to Ukraine in the conflict with Russia. At the Munich Security Conference in February, he sees an opportunity to get the conflicting parties back together. “I propose that in Munich at the conference we revive the Normandy format with Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine.”
Söder described Russia as a “great power” and further stated: “Russia is a difficult partner, but not an enemy of Europe”. In the conflict with Ukraine, “constantly new threats and ever tougher sanctions” alone could not be the solution. Sanctions have had little effect for a long time and often harm Germany itself. As an example, he cited the possible exclusion of Russia from the Swift financial system.
Keeping the Baltic Sea gas pipeline closed or generally stopping all gas deliveries from Russia would also affect Germany, Söder warned.