The article presents a comparative analysis of Germany and France’s approaches towards Russia. The authors compared the place of Russia in the official narrative and program documents of Germany and France as well as their positions on the useful practical mechanisms for developing a dialogue with Russia, on main political (Ukraine crisis) and political-economic issues (Nord Stream-2, negotiations on the Sputnik vaccine) in Russia-EU relations. The authors conclude that conceptual solidarity and agreement on political issues do not prevent Germany and France from disagreeing on some economically sensitive issues of relationships with Russia.