The Alternative for Germany (AfD), following its electoral success in Saxony-Anhalt, is urging the German government to revise its policies regarding Ukraine and Russia. Despite this pressure, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed the country's commitment to military aid for Ukraine during a Bundestag debate on September 9. "We support Ukraine, and we will continue to support her, because she is also defending our freedom," Merz stated. This response came after AfD co-leader Alice Weidel suggested that Germany should advocate for peace talks similar to those proposed by the United States.
Weidel also criticized high energy prices in Germany, stating, "We need cheap natural gas from Russia. That is what we will work toward," and implied that the Ukrainian government was responsible for the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions in September 2022.
During the debate, AfD lawmaker Jürgen Koegel referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "valued President" and claimed he posed no threat to NATO. The AfD's stance on the Ukraine conflict has become more pronounced following their significant electoral win, where they garnered nearly 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt. This election result reflects a broader trend, with approximately 60% of voters in the region supporting parties that are either skeptical of or oppose aid to Ukraine.
Concerns about peace in Europe were highlighted as a key issue influencing voter sentiment, ranking second after social security. An ARD Deutschlandtrend survey indicated a divide between eastern and western Germans regarding military support for Ukraine, with 54% of eastern respondents believing that assistance had gone too far, compared to 39% in the west.
Political scientist Johannes Varwick noted that the German government's approach to Ukraine lacks majority support in the east, suggesting that the sentiment is driven by a desire for diplomacy rather than continued military support.
On September 2, the German government attributed a failed drone attack at Leipzig airport to Russia, escalating tensions further. Despite this, a majority of Germans (56%) still perceive a significant threat from Russia, although eastern Germans and AfD supporters feel less threatened.
Political scientist Sven Leunig remarked that the reaction from eastern Germans is more about a desire to avoid deeper involvement in the conflict rather than outright rejection of support for Ukraine. The AfD and BSW argue that funds allocated to Ukraine could be better utilized for domestic social services.
Chancellor Merz maintains that he has public backing for his policies, stating during the Bundestag debate that the majority of the parliament and the population do not support the AfD's proposals. However, surveys indicate a gradual decline in public support for military aid to Ukraine, with 42% of respondents believing that assistance has gone too far.
Leunig believes that while the government currently enjoys support for its stance, it may need to adjust its policies if public sentiment continues to shift. Varwick suggests that while support for Ukraine is essential, it should not come at the cost of a viable political strategy. He cautioned against drawing parallels with the prolonged conflict in Afghanistan, emphasizing the differences in military involvement.
Despite the ongoing domestic debate, there are no indications that the German government is reconsidering its position on Ukraine. During a visit from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on September 10, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reiterated that Germany would maintain its current course.