What rhetoric should Germany use to respond to Russia's threats?

In times of crisis, every word counts. So with what rhetoric should the Federal Republic respond to Russia's constant threats? Which messages from heads of government are addressed to which recipients? When does productive deterrence turn into dangerous escalation? The Lithuanian political scientist Margarita Šešelgytė has been researching these questions for two decades.

DIE ZEIT: Ms. Šešelgytė, on Thursday NATO received the Westphalian Peace Prize in Münster. In his speech on the military alliance, Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted that the Federal Republic must prepare for further hybrid attacks from Russia. However, as after the drone incident in Leipzig, this will be responded to “quickly and very clearly.” Has Germany found a new language towards Russia?