Russia is breaking international law, threatening another state to invade and calling the post-war European order into question.
And what does the powerful German economy say about this?
As good as nothing.
The corporations and trade associations, which otherwise need to be so communicative, duck away where clear words and action are required.
Obviously, business in the medium-sized economy in the east is more important than the clear signal that a belligerent state as an economic partner must first fail.
In this respect, the Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations, which represents companies such as Siemens, SAP and VW, has shot the bird.
When it became clear that the situation could escalate, the lobby organization planned another digital meeting with Vladimir Putin.
This was justified by wanting to keep the conversation channel open.
However, there were no partners on an equal footing, but an autocrat with several business representatives who acted awkwardly on the political stage: Putin would have received flattery and pictures for his propaganda, German companies the prospect of good business.
The meeting was only canceled on Tuesday – officially due to scheduling reasons.
this is a joke
Why wasn't the weather used as a reason?
In any case, the companies missed the opportunity for a face-saving retreat.
In a written statement, the committee condemned the "violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity" - but combined this with a call on the federal government to "act prudently".
The reaction of the gas industry, which finds the temporary end of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline particularly regrettable, is similarly pathetic.
Of course it is naïve to think that German corporations could save the world.
And of course, prosperity also depends on good deals in China, Russia and other autocracies.
But when, if not now, should corporations put something else in the foreground?
Those who remain silent now no longer have to arrive with flowery "mission statements" and climate promises.