Ukraine: AfD questions German aid, Berlin remains committed
Emboldened by its win in Saxony-Anhalt, the far-right Alternative for Germany wants the country to change its Ukraine and Russia policies. Berlin is staying the course, but support is fading, especially in the east.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz remains committed to providing military aid to Ukraine despite opposition from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. AfD co-leader Alice Weidel has criticized the support, arguing that Germany should seek peace talks like the US and emphasizing the country's need for cheap Russian natural gas.
The AfD's stance on Ukraine has intensified since winning the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament election on September 6, securing nearly 44% of the vote. The party's anti-Ukraine sentiment is not unique, as voters in Saxony-Anhalt favored parties skeptical of support for Ukraine by about 60%. A survey indicates that concerns about European peace rank as the second-most important issue for voters after social security, ahead of immigration or environment and climate.
Eastern Germans and supporters of the AfD, BSW, and the Left Party express less threat from Russia compared to western Germans and the general population. Chancellor Merz maintains that the German public and political support for Ukraine remains strong, and the country will continue to defend its freedom despite the growing criticism from the AfD.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
