It is clear now that the objective of Ostpolitik was not achieved, but the simple alternative (don't trade) does not seem to be obviously better either (Russian

It is clear now that the objective of Ostpolitik was not achieved, but the simple alternative (don't trade) does not seem to be obviously better either (Russians would have had even less reasons not to invade more). If that Ostpolitik delayed the issues with Russia and gave Ukraine some more time, maybe it was the best of the bad options available.