CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter has criticized the measures announced by the German government in response to the attempted terrorist attack in Leipzig as inadequate. According to Kiesewetter, closing the Russian House and the Consulate General, along with taking a firmer stance against Russia’s shadow fleet, are “long overdue and predictable measures.” He argued that diplomatic and symbolic steps are insufficient given “the increasing and systematic nature of Russia’s attacks across Europe.” Kiesewetter stressed that such measures amount to appeasement and run contrary to claims that Russia must “pay for its actions.”
Lacking a more resolute response, Kiesewetter anticipates further escalation from Moscow. He believes Germany is facing further Russian terror as well as acts of warfare, including sabotage, targeted assassinations, and terrorist attacks within Germany. He suggested that Russia aims to weaken German support for Ukraine and stir uncertainty ahead of the state elections.
Kiesewetter called for consultations with NATO partners under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty to discuss joint deterrence measures. He demanded that Germany must more consistently halt the Russian shadow fleet and expand its support for Ukraine. He cited the training of Ukrainian soldiers on the Taurus system and the delivery of cruise missiles as a “particularly effective and credible reaction.” Furthermore, he suggested transferring frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, providing air defense support over Western Ukraine, and engaging in cyber counterattacks.
