"My Russian friends say that before they very appreciated credits and renown from Germany, but now their attitude has nearly reversed," Platzeck said in an interview with Tagesspiegel.
Particularly, many in Russia were outraged about Berlin’s stance toward the Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014 as well as sanctions and Crimea’s reunification with Russia.
These sentiments are irrational to a great extent, the politician underscored. But they were also provoked by Berlin’s certain mistakes.
"Our principal mistake in relations with Russia has been the belief that our system and our values are better and that Russia should match," Platzeck said.
He added that Russia has a different mentality and cannot follow Germany’s historic path.
