"In 2014, 100 years after World War I, Europe finds itself in a very difficult position. In this situation, it is necessary to go back to moderation [in relations] and to figure out what steps should be taken to deescalate the crisis in relations [between Russia and Europe]," Ernst-Jorg von Studnitz said.
"I am certain that an urge for prudence is always essential," he added.
Studnitz is among 60 prominent German political, economic, media and culture figures, who signed an open letter to the German government titled "War in Europe again? Not on our behalf!"
The letter is also signed by former Chancellor Gerhard Schroder, former President Roman Herzog and the last prime minister of former East Germany, Lothar de Maiziere among others.
Political tension between Moscow and the West has escalated over the Ukrainian crisis and Crimea's reunification with Russia.
The United States, the European Union and their allies accuse Moscow of participating in the military conflict in the southeast of Ukraine and introduced several rounds of anti-Russian sanctions.
Despite the fact that Germany was among the countries that imposed sanctions against Russia, the two countries continue to enjoy mutual understanding and cooperation. However, after the G20 summit in November in Brisbane, Australia, German Chancellor Angela Merkel took a more hard-line stance toward Moscow.
On November 26, Merkel said that sanctions against Russia over its alleged involvement in the Ukrainian crisis will not be lifted as long as the situation in eastern Ukraine remains unchanged.
