Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the BSW party, has publicly distanced herself from Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him a "criminal" for initiating the war in Ukraine.

Speaking on ZDF's annual review, she admitted to misjudging Russia's intentions before the 2022 invasion, initially believing it to be a mere show of force.

Wagenknecht criticized Western arms supplies to Ukraine and advocated for diplomatic negotiations to end the conflict.

She also defended her party's controversial walkout during Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's Bundestag speech, citing a lack of debate opportunities.

Despite her earlier miscalculations, Wagenknecht emphasized that the war could have been avoided if Russia's "red lines" had been respected.