The estrangement is surging up in relations between Germany and Russia. Expectations of the "Partnership for Modernization" in Berlin are deceived. For the German part, it seems most important to reform the Russian political system through economic cooperation, whereas, in contrast, Russia is interested in economic partnership itself and in investment promotion. The lack of the legal regulation, and the growing state influence on economy in Russia hedge the economic partnership. Berlin has no concept of ways to affect the reform process in Russia. The renewal of the policy line towards Russia is needed. If Germany wants to facilitate the integration of Russia into Europe, Berlin must work out a new approach in the relationship with Moscow, focused less on elites and more on the civil society.