What Germany did, and they were far from the only ones buing from Russia, was two things: Buying from a cheap, reliable (the USSR delivered gas since the 70s)

What Germany did, and they were far from the only ones buing from Russia, was two things: Buying from a cheap, reliable (the USSR delivered gas since the 70s) supplier of an energe source Germany needed. Nothing stupid about that. Tying said supplier closer to the West, assuming, rightly so for a very long time, that close economic ties will keep communication channels open. And that the likely hood of a war will be reduced. That approach worked very well until Russia annexed Crimea (nobody did anything about that, incl. the USA). And then it was a potential way to prevent a war (econimic ties help mitigating that risk). That in the end it didn't work out hardly makes this appriach "stupid"... And electricity prices... Welly gas is not really used for elelctricity generation in Germany, we heat using gas (for consumers, that is). That electeicity prices in Germany are higher than elsewhere has different reasons. Industry prices are competetive so, and much, much lower than consumer prices. And the latter are important for the economy.