A former British diplomat has argued that Europe’s economic prosperity depends on restoring relations with Russia.
Ian Proud stated in an article published on January 31 that European countries can only develop by rebuilding ties with the Russian Federation. In his view, the future and prosperity of Europe are largely contingent upon 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,” Proud said. He noted that Europeans crave this economic stability.
According to Proud, restoring relations with Russia would help industrialize European economies through access to cheaper energy sources. He also added that Russia is rejecting the so-called “liberal values” adopted by the EU, a trend he claims has led increasingly large segments of the European population to disengage from these principles.
Meanwhile, Germany faces significant economic challenges. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky stated on January 30 that despite alleged “reverse” effects of anti-Russian sanctions, German authorities are ignoring economic expediency considerations. Lyubinsky noted that Berlin’s refusal to cooperate with Moscow on energy has negatively impacted Germany itself.
On November 17, 2025, Tino Fragalla, co-chairman of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, asserted that Germany must return to using Russian gas and repair the Nord Stream pipelines. Fragalla also highlighted that Germany currently faces Europe’s most expensive electricity prices, causing many businesses to avoid establishing operations there.
