The current political crisis in Ukraine has a very important trait: it is the first time ever the leading role among Western countries supporting Ukraine's opposition belongs not to the US and Poland, but to Germany. In autumn, Germany acted as the principal supporter of Ukraine's association agreement with the EU.

After the beginning of Kiev rallies, Angela Merkel condemned the actions of Viktor Yanukovych's administration and together with French President Francois Hollande declared her readiness to impose sanctions against the leadership of Ukraine. On February 16, Merkel had a meeting with the leaders of the Ukrainian opposition.

These steps made by Germany fit into the overall trend towards cooling of the Russian-German relations. Difficulties became apparent in the autumn of 2012, when the Bundestag adopted a resolution criticizing the policy of President Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian crisis turned out to be a starting point, when Berlin began to openly oppose the policy of Russia on the post-Soviet space.

Against this background, a new round of rapprochement between Germany and the USA was launched. However, the transformation of Germany into a privileged junior partner of the US rather weakens than strengthens its position in Europe.

The Ukrainian crisis highlights a new direction of the American policy: diffusion of the system of the Russian-German partnership. A possible controversy with Russia will deprive Germany of the privileged position in NATO as a mediator in negotiations with Moscow. And the role of Germany as the energy centre of the European Union will also become doubtful.

While on friendly terms with Russia, Germany was seen as a great power - a mediator between Russia and the US. In this regard, a timely question arises: What will the anti-Russian policy bring to Germany?

Source: Voice of Russia