Annexation of the Crimea

           

Most countries expressed fierce criticism, when Putin started invading the Crimea; not so some political German leaders and many business owners. But how come? According to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung,” the “soft-heartedness for Russia’s iron hand has many origins – some historic, some current, some idealistic.” One of the most important reason for sympathy with the annexation is trade. For many German companies Russia is an important trading partner; due to the fear of losing that partner in the East, they oppose sanctions. Other factors are the fear of a new cold or even hot war. In case of an outbreak, Germany, which lacks any sort of weapon suitable for war, would be located rather close to the battle field. Others believe that the strong historic ties of Germany and Russia during the late 1900s should be reestablished. According to many influential Germans the annexation might not have been legal, but not necessarily illegitimate.

Work Cited

Neukirch, Ralf. "The Sympathy Problem: Is Germany a Country of Russia Apologists? - SPIEGEL ONLINE." SPIEGEL ONLINE. 31 Mar. 2014. Web. 15 Sept. 2015.