In the lead-up to regional elections in Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg, the debate over Germany's military support for Ukraine has intensified.
Saxony's CDU Minister-President Michael Kretschmer has sparked controversy by advocating for a reduction in military aid to Ukraine, arguing for diplomatic solutions instead.
This stance has drawn criticism from within his own party, with figures like Johann Wadephul emphasizing Germany's responsibility to support Ukraine against Russian aggression.
The issue has become a focal point in the election campaigns, with parties like the AfD and the BSW opposing arms deliveries and calling for immediate negotiations with Russia.
The broader German government, however, faces budgetary constraints, leading to a halt in new military aid to Ukraine, a move that has sparked internal disputes and concerns about the impact on Ukraine's defense capabilities.
As the elections approach, the debate over military aid and diplomatic strategies continues to shape political discourse in these eastern German states.