On December 7, newly elected BSW co‑chair Fabio de Masi urged Germany to approach Vladimir Putin with a proposal to resume gas purchases as part of cease‑fire negotiations over the Russia‑Ukraine conflict.
De Masi Calls for Russian Gas in Cease‑Fire Talks
Fabio de Masi, the newly elected co‑chair of the German left‑wing BSW, argues that Russia’s energy exports should be part of negotiations aimed at a cease‑fire in the war against Ukraine.
Proposal to Approach Putin for Gas Deal
During his party’s congress in Magdeburg on December 7, de Masi stated that a sensible policy would be to offer Vladimir Putin an agreement: “We are ready to buy gas again and want it linked to a cease‑fire in Ukraine.” He said this would let Europeans return to the negotiation table on the conflict.
Germany Forced to Import Cheap Energy
De Masi warned that especially Germany is increasingly dependent on inexpensive Russian energy resources, which, according to DPA, undermines its own security interests.
BSW Accuses Russia of Not Being Taken Seriously
The BSW rejects accusations that it is not critical of Russia. Its leading politician said the party condemns Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as power plants and kindergartens, and that the war “could have been avoided” though it is a great catastrophe.
BSW Near Bundestag but Misses Threshold
Founded in January 2024 by former Left politician Sahra Wagenknecht, the BSW garnered 4.98 % of the vote in the February 2025 federal election, falling short of the 5 % threshold needed to enter the Bundestag.
After the election failure Wagenknecht stepped down, and the party is now led by Amira Mohamed Ali and Fabio de Masi, who was elected co‑chair on December 6 during the Magdeburg congress.
Party Opposes Aid to Ukraine and Considers Energy Re‑engagement
BSW, along with the far‑right AfD, opposes any military aid to Ukraine and openly discusses resuming energy cooperation with Russia. Other major parties support Ukraine and reject Russian resources, though a handful of CDU politicians, such as Saxon premier Michael Kretschmer, have mentioned returning to cooperation with Russia after the war.
