The easing of tensions with Russia is possible only in case if there will be ruled by democracy and freedom.

According to the Censor.NET with reference to UNIAN reported by Katrin göring-Eckardt in the article "there is No special German output for Putin", published on the website of the German newspaper Die Zeit.

After the end of Communist rule in Eastern Europe we all dreamed of a common European peaceful and safe society. The people responsible for the failure of this dream, not those who try to impose the authors call "Not in our name", not found on the Maidan, in the capitals of Western Europe or the United States. Who remembers historic moment 25 years ago, he must say that the end of the cold war, ended the time when Moscow and Washington could point people in Kiev, Warsaw or Tallinn, what to do and think.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and European right-wing populists want to return to the world of strong national States in which large countries dominate over smaller ones, and the suppression of its own people due to "internal problems". Freedom and self-determination are only pawns in this world.
The authors call bring the same arguments as Putin in his address to the nation. They compare the treatment of the West with Russia today, with the appeal of Hitler against the Soviet Union in 1941. In other words: the new "sphere of influence" of Russia includes Eastern Europe, and those who don't agree, in accordance with this logic, does not leave Russia other choice but to start a war against the West "policy submission. Putin was legalized, thus violating international law the annexation of the Crimea.
Europe defines not Putin
25 years ago we dreamed not only about the combined area of peace and security. Freedom and democracy for which we had hoped, unfortunately, was not approved in Europe. Events in Belarus and Azerbaijan are proof of that - Putin's Russia another. Now we are experiencing the consequences of failed democratization.
Freedom and democracy are and will remain a necessary condition for a stable life and a lasting peace. The promotion of these values, therefore, the task of permanent peace policy, which has earned such a title. Therefore, we must support those who aspire to freedom and democracy in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. If we in Europe now do not uphold their values, we will lose ourselves; we leave Ukraine in trouble, and, ultimately, push Russia out of Europe. Not Putin defines Europe. We do this themselves, but also those who share European values.
Sanctions are a tool of diplomacy
In Germany no one with political responsibility does not attempt to isolate Russia. On the contrary: Germany over the last twelve months very often, a lot, and with great endurance sought for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, foreign Minister Lavrov and other responsible persons. Member States of the EU are reasonable and, more importantly: they act together in solidarity with each other.
The perception of the Kremlin's policy in Riga, for obvious reasons, differs from perception in Lisbon. But what Putin signed the appeal, it seems, don't want to see: Europe considering each step. Economic sanctions are not a step in the direction of military escalation, they are, in fact, a tool of diplomacy.
The dialogue with Russia should be and will be continued in close cooperation with European partners in Germany. Although the authors of the appeal pretend there is no special German output.
The door to President Putin, of course, remains open, so he could return to constructive relations with the EU and the common neighbourhood. But if tanks will again be in Ukraine and cruel war in Eastern Europe will continue, we will have to reject this proposal. Because war is not what we "want." War is what happens in Ukraine every day, with the knowledge and will of the leaders of Russia. This war has begun, and will continue to until it is needed for Putin to stay in power. Who justifies the responsibility and standing up for her common sense, hidden alleged apathy and negligence of both parties, promotes dangerous relativism.
Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the Russian government is interested in the normalization of the situation. Therefore, sanctions remains the right decision today, because no one can know where the stop Putin. He does not need to understand the fears of the Russians, he creates them. Will the "West" with its anticipated expansion is the sovereign choice of Alliance with our neighbors is presented as an enemy or not, is entirely in his hands. Isolation of Russia's best not to people, and for Putin and the oligarchs who support it.
Interaction with civil society
And we should not support Putin in the wrong definition of the perpetrators of the disastrous economic situation in Russia. The crisis has arisen not because of Western sanctions, but because of internal policy.
Authoritarian Putin's power has never been faced with such challenges, as in 2011-2012, when in Russia, more and more people turned away from his policies and in favor of democracy and progress. What it would mean for him, if - since movement on the Maidan year ago - in Russia also began to establish democracy and progress?
The key to combating further exasperation, therefore, is not in talks with Putin on the rights and values that are not negotiable. And more interaction with civil society and to support those who want to build a truly democratic, pluralistic and peaceful society in Russia. This is one of the few remaining in present ways to achieve peace in the relationship.
Source: http://censor.net.ua/