The Russian Challenge

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is in a critical phase. In this moment, we need deter­mi­nation and political leadership. If Warsaw and Berlin work closer together in the future, that would be a strong signal. Our joint strategy paper was written by a Polish-German group of experts and outlines a future Russia policy: A policy of strength versus Moscow.

Despite Chancellor Scholz’ Zeiten­wende, Germany’s actions since the Russian invasion of Ukraine have been dominated by hesitancy. The government often acts only when the situation on the battle­field is dramatic – or waits for decisions from Washington. Berlin seemingly hopes for an eventual ceasefire. But this only raises the threat of an “eternal provi­sional arrangement”, similar to the Cold War-era division of Germany, writes Nico Lange.

While Russia is preparing for a long war, the West remains hesitant and divided. At this year’s conference Russia and the West, partic­i­pants urgently called for a new European policy versus Moscow....