Germany's SPD Stands Firm on Ukraine Support After Calls for Dialogue with Russia
SPD head refuses shift in Ukraine policy stance
Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) finds itself divided over its stance on the Ukraine conflict, following the recent release of a manifesto advocating for a change in foreign policy and renewed dialogues with Moscow.
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil, in a live Instagram conversation with Kevin Kühnert, distanced himself from the manifesto. He flatly denied calls for a U-turn in defense policy, dismissing the idea of needing to choose between supporting Ukraine and diplomatic efforts. He insists, "It's not 'either or,' but both sides of the same coin."
However, SPD foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner continues to push for a shift in Germany's foreign policy towards Russia, as he believes the strategy to force Russia into negotiations through military strength has failed.
Ukraine Reports Escalating Attacks
Ukrainian forces report over 63 Russian drones were targeted during recent nighttime attacks, with 49 being shot down or disabled by electronic warfare. Seven locations were hit, with debris falling in some places, including near playgrounds in Cherkasy, resulting in at least 14 injuries.
Meanwhile, Kyiv reports over one million Russian soldiers killed or wounded since the war began, according to unverified reports from the Ukrainian general staff. NATO officials have estimated losses to be around 900,000, but independent media suggests over 108,000 Russian soldiers have been killed based on research into death registers and obituaries.
Focus on Europe
On the occasion of Russia’s national holiday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sends a message of congratulations and urges peace efforts. He reaffirms the US's commitment to supporting the Russian people in pursuit of a better future and desires constructive cooperation with the Russian Federation to achieve lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine.
Franziska Brantner, co-chair of the Greens, criticizes the SPD for the chaos in its foreign and security policy after the publication of the so-called manifesto. She questions who the SPD's leader, Olaf Merz, truly governs with: Walter-Borjans, Mützenich, or Pistorius, who is currently in Kyiv.
The Committee of Permanent Representatives is set to discuss the European Union's proposed new sanctions against Russia next week, despite Slovakia's intended veto on the phase-out of Russian energy imports.
On the Front Lines
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has arrived in Kyiv for political talks, intending to discuss further military aid for Ukraine with government representatives. Russian drone attacks have once again targeted Kharkiv, resulting in at least twelve injuries, including four children. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns of major consequences if the USA were to reduce or stop supporting Ukraine, stating, "That could blow up the security in any country."
Sources: ntv.de, ino/hul/dpa/rts/AFP
- Ukraine Conflict
- Ukraine
- Military
- Military Operations
- Russia
- NATO
- Cyberwar
- Attack on Ukraine
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Vladimir Putin
- Wars and Conflicts
- War Crimes
Enrichment Insights
- A recent SPD manifesto advocates for a change in Germany’s policy on Russia, including renewed diplomatic negotiations and a halt to defense spending increases.
- The SPD is currently divided on its stance towards Russia, with some faction members supporting more dialogues and a shift in policy, while the leadership continues to back the current government’s position on Ukraine.
- Ongoing military attacks on Ukraine, including the use of drones, have resulted in deaths and injuries, while the USA and Europe consider further sanctions against Russia due to their invasion of Ukraine.
- The SPD's leader Lars Klingbeil, in response to calls for changing Germany's foreign policy towards Russia, emphasized that supporting Ukraine and diplomatic efforts are not mutually exclusive, asserting, "It's not 'either or,' but both sides of the same coin."
- The ongoing Ukraine conflict is significantly influenced by global politics and recent events such as war-and-conflicts, with the European Union proposing new sanctions against Russia and the USA urging peace efforts, while Russian and Ukrainian forces continue their military operations.
