The relationships among European countries are quite complex, as well demonstrated by the Triple Alliance.
Although Germany did not side with Austria-Hungary in peace negotiations, its self-proclaimed neutral stance also annoyed Russia.
Russia, having paid a great price to win the Russo-Turkish War, saw Austria-Hungary and the United Kingdom reaping the benefits instead. This made Tsar Alexander II resent Germany, thus deteriorating German-Russian relations.
For Germany, how to proceed with its relationship with Russia became a very difficult choice.
German Prime Minister Bismarck secretly prepared an alliance with Austria-Hungary, wary of Russia potentially allying with France, while simultaneously wanting to mend relations with Russia and continue isolating France diplomatically.
