The CDU, Germany’s largest party, is currently negotiating a potential coalition government with the center-left Social Democratic Party after emerging victorious in February’s national election. Party leader Friedrich Merz is widely expected to become Germany’s next chancellor; Kiesewetter, a retired colonel and one of the CDU’s most experienced foreign and security policy experts, is viewed as a close adviser to Merz on defense issues.
Though Kiesewetter did not mention Donald Trump by name, his comments reflect deepening anxiety across Europe over the U.S. president’s foreign policy approach.
His remarks come as U.S. and Russian officials conduct bilateral talks on a peace deal in Ukraine and on potentially reviving the controversial Nord Stream gas pipelines.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told state media that Washington could “use its influence on Europe” to restart the gas link — blown up in an apparent act of sabotage in 2022 — and resume Russian energy exports.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told state media that Washington could “use its influence on Europe.” | Atta Kenare/Getty Images
The idea has sparked backlash in Berlin, but some CDU figures have floated a possible return to Russian gas once peace is restored. Kiesewetter pushed back, calling instead for an “independent” energy policy that ends any revival of a “Moscow connection.”
Kiesewetter signaled that a Merz-led chancellery would likely pursue a tougher stance on Russia — and a more cautious view of the U.S., particularly if Washington abandons its support for Ukraine.