German-Russian Friendship: A Dangerous Assumption

Charles Hawley, Der Spiegel | June 9, 2008

While Medvedev "struck a friendly pose in Berlin," future action or lack of thereof will be the true test of Russian-German relations. ++ Germany must be careful to avoid becoming "a mouthpiece of Russian interests" and hurting its relations with other Western powers. ++ Russia's newfound confidence will affect all of its partners and its new leader is unlikely to make significant changes to Russian policy. ++ Medvedev appears to champion close cooperation between Berlin and Moscow, but his actions will reveal his dedication to this goal.