The Renunciation of Force Treaty was the first step in the formal resolution of the German problem. During the next three years, the SPD-FDP's Ostpolitik achieved its goal of normalizing relations with all of the FRG's Eastern neighbors, including the GDR. By 1973 the German problem had for the moment been resolved and the European postwar status quo had been ratified. The period between Brandt's visit to Moscow in 1970 and Brezhnev's trip to Bonn in 1973 was a time of readjustment for both sides. The USSR and Germany became aware of the systemic economic and political limits to their bilateral detente policies. By the end of 1973, the bilateral phase of Soviet–German detente had been completed with the conclusion of the Ostpolitik treaties.

Ten years after the inauguration of the Brandt Ostpolitik, a new political equilibrium had emerged. The USSR and the FRG had achieved a modus vivendi based on the normalization of relations. While Brandt was chancellor, there was considerable enthusiasm in Bonn about the potential for improvement of relations with the USSR.