German refineries weigh controversial russian oil imports
German refineries, including PCK Schwedt, are contemplating returning to importing Russian oil; however, such plans are controversial in Germany and Poland. Some voices are calling for lifting sanctions on Russia, while concerns persist about the political and economic repercussions 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 ceased to receive raw materials from Russia. However, now that U.S. President Donald Trump is exerting pressure to end the war, more voices in Germany are demanding a return to Russian raw materials.
"This question is arising once more," writes Süddeutsche Zeitung about shifting political dynamics in Germany. The article states that Poland, in particular, fears that Germany might begin to undermine the unified stance against Putin.
"Political catastrophe"
The increasing support for lifting sanctions in Germany is tied to the fact that countries such as Poland do not consent to resume imports of Russian oil, which could result in a "political catastrophe," notes Piotr Buras from the ECFR.
Meanwhile, Green Party politician Michael Kellner cautions against Germany becoming dependent on Russian resources once again, emphasising the necessity of developing green hydrogen, reports Deutsche Welle, citing "SZ".
"SZ" stresses that "the situation is complicated," noting that some Brandenburg politicians and industrial companies, such as the populist right-wing AfD, are advocating for a return to Russian oil supplies. The Prime Minister of Brandenburg, Dietmar Woidke from the SPD, also speaks of the need to normalise economic relations, but only in the event of the war ending.
On the contrary, a spokesperson for the German government firmly dismisses proposals to lift sanctions, highlighting that Germany has made significant efforts to become independent of Russia and does not plan to revert to previous arrangements.
