How Germany can best support Ukraine

On January 14, 73 eastern Europe- and security-focused experts from Germany co-signed a detailed letter in Zeit Online calling for a “course correction” in Germany’s Russia foreign policy. The authors argue that Europe’s largest economic power has largely and “passively” sat by as Russia’s aggression in the region grew in the past three decades. They call on Germany as a key NATO and European Union (EU) member and an important historical bridge between the West and the former Soviet Union, to carry more responsibility in pushing back against Kremlin aggression and supporting countries besieged by Russian President Vladimir Putin. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently said all things are on the sanctions negotiating list and the German government is continuing discussions with both US and Russian officials on how to best counter the Kremlin’s aggression. What can the new German government do to push back more against Russia’s growing threat? What tools are at its disposal that can enhance credible deterrence,