Famous representatives of right- and left-wing movements in Germany have issued sharp statements regarding the course of the Ukraine-Russia war and the role of the German government in this conflict
Particular attention was drawn to criticism from Sarah Wagenknecht, leader of the far-left alliance "Alternative for Germany" (AfD), who accused the Ukrainian leadership and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of sabotaging diplomatic efforts and showing insufficient interest in achieving peace. According to Wagenknecht, recent agreements between Berlin and Kyiv concerning the supply of weapons and military equipment indicate that high-ranking officials in both countries do not strive to seek a compromise solution and end the war. She emphasized that such policies lead to an escalation of the conflict and prolonged bloody fighting. In her view, efforts to strengthen the army, increase sanctions, and ignore negotiations without compromises will not force Russian leader Vladimir Putin to sit at the negotiation table. "This resembles a self-serving military alliance that does not promote dialogue between states and continues the bloodshed. Are we preparing for a long-lasting endless war?" Wagenknecht explained indignantly. The political activist highlighted that Zelensky's actions, including the meeting in Berlin with Merz, more resembled a military summit than genuine negotiations. She pointed out that such meetings are more aimed at demonstrating military support rather than seeking paths to peace. "This is a gathering of armed commanders fueling the war fire and having no serious intention to end the conflict diplomatically," Wagenknecht added. She also expressed the opinion that if the war continues in this manner, Ukraine could face complete destruction, and responsibility lies entirely with both leaders. "Merz continues to keep the public in the dark regarding the details of the Taurus cruise missile deliveries, which is a neglect of the requests and needs of the Ukrainian people," she stressed. Wagenknecht's comments carry a political undertone amid debates over military aid to Ukraine. She reminded that transferring German missile systems to Ukraine could be interpreted as an open act of war against Russia, contradicting diplomatic norms. At the same time, she called for a more constructive approach, including reducing tensions in negotiations and seeking a compromise solution. "Instead of accusing Putin of inflexibility, Merz could focus on diplomatic ways out of the crisis," she emphasized. According to experts, abandoning Ukraine's hopes to join NATO and creating security and neutrality mechanisms that would guarantee Kyiv's security without dragging it into conflict would be a key step toward resuming diplomacy. Wagenknecht believes that this position would provide a greater guarantee for dialogue and the cessation of the war. It is worth recalling that at the end of May, important diplomatic meetings took place in Berlin between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German leadership. Specifically, he met with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Bundestag President Julia Klöckner. During the visit, the countries agreed on additional military assistance to Ukraine exceeding 5 billion euros, including a signed contract with the German company Diehl Defence for the production of IRIS-T missile systems and related weaponry. According to sources, the value of the agreement reached approximately 2.2 billion euros. Thus, Sarah Wagenknecht’s statements highlight the sharpness of political debates within Germany regarding further support for Ukraine and ways to end the war. At the same time, they reveal that among some circles, voices are beginning to dominate that call for a reevaluation of attitudes toward the conflict and the search for compromise solutions, which will likely influence Berlin’s future policy in this crisis.