(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Margarete Klein, head of the Research Division for Eastern Europe and Eurasia at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), said this in a comment to Ukrinform.

The expert stressed that German government support for Ukraine has indeed increased, and the level of solidarity among German society remains high. At the same time, she added, fears of war escalation are growing, particularly due to Russian threats.

Klein noted that Russian propaganda has a noticeable impact in Germany as many people believe what they hear because the propaganda messages are tailored for different groups: the political right, the left, and the older generation.

When asked whether Europe should act proactively and respond to Russia with hybrid measures, the expert countered with two questions: "Does Europe want to do the same as Russia and stoop to its level? And does it have the means to do so?"

She stressed that the West does not aim to operate through disinformation.

"Can we spread disinformation in Russia? Doubtful – it's not an open society, we don't have media access there. And we don't want to stoop to that level, because we stand for a rules-based order," Klein said.

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Moreover, she added, there is a risk of falling into a trap: for example, accusing Russia of launching drones, only to find out it was a teenager's prank. Therefore, only cases of Russian actions that can be clearly proven should be highlighted, the expert said.

Klein also spoke about uncertainty regarding continued U.S. support. According to her, this both encourages Europeans to assist Ukraine more actively and plays into the Kremlin's hands.

She noted that in the U.S., discussions continue about a possible reduction of the military presence in Germany. At the same time, Klein is confident that a full withdrawal of American troops will not happen, as the infrastructure established in Europe cannot be replaced, and Germany remains a key country for the U.S.

"The question is what signal this sends to Russia. How can credible deterrence be established if the U.S., facing an existential threat to Ukraine as well as hybrid and broader threats against us, does not want to strengthen its presence here? From Russia's point of view, this is very good," Klein said.

She believes that U.S. President Donald Trump's strategy involves threats – through escalation or withdrawal from the process – aiming to provoke a response from the other side. At the same time, Trump could "motivate" Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to come to the negotiating table if Ukraine receives sufficient support and Russia realizes it cannot win the war and will suffer serious domestic losses from sanctions and military actions. "But whether Trump would actually do this is unknown," Klein said.

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