Leader of the liberal Free Democratic Party of Germany Christian Lindner believes that Russia needs to be returned to the G8 or to develop a new format G7 + 1. According to Lindner, most countries are afraid to enter into conflict with Moscow. "No sane person will not want to be in a confrontation with Russia," the newspaper Express quotes. The head of the FDP also believes that it is necessary to resume regular summits between the European Union and Russia on a regular basis. He stressed that Russia will get its place in the European house if it adheres to a certain order. In the past few months, the Russian issue has caused a split among German politicians.

Chancellor Angela Merkel supported Britain's position in the case of the Violins - four Russian diplomats were expelled from Germany. However, not everyone in Germany was delighted with the actions of the frau chancellor. Thus, the Minister for European Affairs Michael Roth believes that Merkel has taken too tough a stand against the Kremlin and stresses that Europe and Russia should sit down at the negotiating table. FDP deputy head Wolfgang Kubicki also earlier called for a review of anti-Russian sanctions, because, according to the politician, they do not help achieve their goals.