So, what is exactly Angela Merkel's "moment of truth"? Does Joschka Fischer mean, her "efforts to achieve a diplomatic resolution" in resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine were not adequate? And the "new accord" - the Minsk II may soon be shelved, because Vladimir Putin doesn't believe in a "diplomatic resolution" but more in military might?

By observing the pro-Russian separatists' moves, Fischer believes they are gearing up for more land grab, with the strategic port of Mariupol as their next target. ,Indeed this would allow Putin to kill two birds with one stone - "to create a land bridge" leading to Crimea and to have easier access to "Odessa, and extending Russian control all the way to Transnistria, Russia's illegal enclave in Moldova".

Merkel's and Hollande's coordinated effort in resolving the crisis resonated well with Washington. The two leaders were trying to dissuade the US from arming Ukraine, fearing this would escalate the conflict. Yet given Putin's deep disdain for Europe, and its "meager political clout", Fischer suggests the US should "conduct the negotiations" with Russia, because muscle-flexing seems to be the only language Putin "takes seriously".

Another crisis in Europe has "confirmed the indispensability of Franco-German cooperation" - Greece! Fischer urges the two leaders to "seize the initiative once again and finally put the eurozone on a sound footing". He suggests, "Germany's changed role within the EU" should be "to loosen its beloved purse strings". More austerity measures would only enable the rise of left- and right-wing "nationalists", while jeopardising the "European integration project".

A "Grexit" would only expose Europe's weakness, from which Russia may emerge as the "only geopolitical winner". Angela Merkel knows it and hopes to win the Bundestag vote on Friday to back an extension of financial help for Greece. As Europe's pay master, Germany's approval is crucial. Although the parliamentarians are expected to vote in favour of the extension of a bailout for Greece, the support is grudging. They have a hard time to put up with the cheek and hubris of Greece's leaders. Does Fischer mean, Merkel would face a "moment of truth", in her balancing act between preventing a "Grexit" and finding a way "to revise the failed austerity policy imposed on Greece"?