Germany's Balancing Act with Central Europe and Russia

A visit to Belarus by the German foreign minister — the first in more than a decade — is illustrative of Berlin trying to demonstrate support for its eastern neighbors while being careful to avoid encroaching on Moscow's traditional sphere of influence. The visit also comes amid German efforts to enhance its ties with Russia. While this strategy serves Germany for now, such a balance will be difficult if not impossible for Berlin to sustain in the long term.