SPD Secretary-General Tim Klüssendorf does not believe that the measures decided upon by the federal government will deter Russia from launching further attacks against Germany. “Quite the opposite. We have to prepare ourselves for the expectation of more such attacks,” Klüssendorf told the broadcasters RTL and ntv. He emphasized that Russia’s hybrid warfare in Europe and Germany is likely to continue.
However, Klüssendorf stated that Germany must demonstrate its ability to defend itself. He pointed to the closure of the Russian consulate and the Russian House, as well as restrictions placed on the Russian shadow fleet. “I think these are the right measures right now.” At the same time, he argued that the federal government must prevent the situation from escalating further.
Klüssendorf noted that the concern about further escalation is especially high in Eastern Germany. He observed that in Saxony-Anhalt and all other eastern states, the sensitivity to the topic of peace in connection with defense capabilities is significantly more pronounced and high. He added that the federal government is signaling its readiness for further political steps through its reaction. “But we will not escalate without regard for the global situation.”
Regarding why Defence Minister Boris Pistorius was not present when the measures were presented, Klüssendorf attributed this to matters of departmental responsibility. He claimed the measures were agreed upon within the federal government. “There is no steering mechanism or wobble like that; these are precisely the right measures.” He concluded by saying that Pistorius is fulfilling his duties very diligently and playing an important role for the SPD as the Defence Minister and its leading figure.
