title: Rational Bureaucratic Actors: Examining Germany's Russlandpolitik
abstract: The relationship between Germany and Russia is complex, with Germany often considered the bridge between the West and Russia. Although balancing western priorities and good relations with Russia has always been a challenge, relations have become even more strained since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Since then, Germany has supported economic sanctions against Russia, sent troops to Russia's borders, played an integral role in the Minsk Accord negotiations, and supported the construction