“We don’t want war with Germany.” The year is 2026, and—there’s no other way to put it—these are crazy times. A drone at Leipzig Airport escalates an already tense situation to a level “unprecedented since World War II.” Germany and Russia, two countries that—historically speaking—have more in common than divides, are once again facing each other in hostility. Sergey Nechayev is a Germanist and admires German literature. He has known German-Russian relations for 50 years like few others. Having held key diplomatic positions in Germany and Austria for over two decades, he is the highest-ranking representative of the world’s largest nuclear power in the Federal Republic. “Friendship with Russia has always brought positive results for the German people. Bad relations have brought catastrophes and tragedies to both of us. Enough is enough.” With these poignant words, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Sergey Nechayev, concluded what was perhaps the most important conversation of the year, just two days after the German government closed Russia’s last consulate in Germany, thus reducing diplomatic relations between the former economic allies to a historic low. Are we on the brink of World War III? Must we fear Russian attacks on targets in Germany? Will families of both nations once again have to mourn their sons, husbands, and brothers in war cemeteries? I tried to elicit answers from the ambassador of the world’s largest nuclear power to what are probably the most pressing questions for so many people on both sides of our borders. In just under 60 minutes—between wreath-laying ceremonies and summonses—I tried to understand a perspective that has received little attention in recent years. Let us hope for measured action from all involved.