Germany's Stance Towards Moscow Is Not Tough Enough for Merkel's Party

The German CDU/ CSU party led by Chancellor Angela Merkel demanded a tougher approach to Russia and criticized German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier's recent statements, German newspaper DWN reported.

According to CDU politicians, Germany's political strategy toward Russia is apparently not hard enough.

"In relations with Russia, we need as much intimidation as required, but also as much dialogue as possible," the party's draft policy document stated.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has repeatedly called for maintaining constructive relations with Russia and stressed that a solution to the global crises is impossible without Moscow.

In his earlier interview with the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag, Steinmeier denounced NATO's drills held near Russia's borders as "saber-rattling" that does not add to European security.

However, the CDU paper noted that those who accuse NATO of "saber-rattling" confuse the cause and the outcome. According to the document, "Russia bears responsibility" for fueling the Ukrainian conflict, a fact which European countries "shouldn't tolerate".

"We do not want any doubts regarding the solidarity within the alliance, and therefore must not allow ambiguity in relations with Russia," the paper stated.

Under the pretext of Russia's alleged involvement in the Ukrainian crisis, Western countries introduced economic sanctions against Russia and enhanced military activities near Russia's borders. Moscow has repeatedly stated that it considers the deployment of NATO forces a threat to its national security and promised a corresponding response.