Schwedt refineries at crossroads: Weighing Russian oil imports
German refineries, including PCK Schwedt, are considering resuming imports of Russian oil; however, this idea is controversial in Germany and Poland. Some are urging the lifting of sanctions on Russia, while others are concerned about the political and economic ramifications of such actions.
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions on Russia, the PCK Schwedt refineries in Brandenburg have halted imports of Russian raw materials. Now, with pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to end the war, more voices in Germany are advocating for a return to Russian resources.
"This question is resurfacing," writes Sueddeutsche Zeitung, referring to Germany's evolving politics. In particular, Poland worries that Germany might start to undermine the united front against Putin.
"Political catastrophe"
The increasing support for lifting sanctions in Germany is linked to the fact that countries like Poland do not support the resumption of Russian oil imports, which could lead to a "political catastrophe," notes Piotr Buras from the ECFR.
Meanwhile, Green Party politician Michael Kellner cautions against Germany becoming reliant on Russian resources once again, highlighting the importance of developing green hydrogen, as reported by Deutsche Welle, citing "SZ."
"SZ" emphasizes that "the situation is complicated," noting that some Brandenburg politicians and industrial companies, like the populist right-wing AfD, are calling for a return to Russian oil supplies. The Prime Minister of Brandenburg, Dietmar Woidke from SPD, also speaks of the need to normalize economic relations, but only if the war ends.
Conversely, a spokesperson for the German government firmly rejects proposals to lift sanctions, emphasizing that Germany has made significant efforts to achieve independence from Russia and does not intend to revert to previous practices.
