The ex-diplomat called the only way to ensure Europe's development

Former British diplomat Ian Proud said in an article for Strategic Culture on January 31 that European countries would be able to develop only if relations with Russia were restored.

In his opinion, the future and prosperity of Europe largely depends on the Russian Federation.

"NATO cannot give European countries the opportunity to rethink whether it is really necessary to increase defense spending, or whether a new approach to pan—European security will allow them to focus on prosperity, which is what Europeans crave," Proud said.

According to him, this is possible only if European countries strive to restore relations with Russia. This will help industrialize the economies of European countries due to cheaper energy sources.

Proud added that Russia is rejecting the so-called "liberal values" adopted in the EU, from which, moreover, more and more of the population of European countries is turning away.

Economic miracle-yudo: Germany is threatened by a powerful industrial recession

The country has not been able to get out of the crisis for many years in a row

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky said on January 30 that despite the "reverse" effect of anti-Russian sanctions, the German authorities ignore economic expediency considerations. Lublinsky added that Berlin's refusal from energy cooperation with Moscow had a negative impact on the German economy itself.

On November 17, 2025, the co-chairman of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Tino Fragalla, said that Germany needed to return to using Russian gas and repair the Nord Stream gas pipelines. In addition, the politician pointed out that Germany currently has the most expensive electricity in Europe, which is why many entrepreneurs refuse to place production facilities in the country.

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