The Ukrainian Issue Takes Center Stage in Germany’s Election Foreign Policy Debate
The Ukrainian conflict is set to be a pivotal foreign policy issue in Germany’s upcoming Bundestag elections, as Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) outlines its stance in its election program.
The SPD plans to formalize its refusal to supply Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles, citing a commitment to prevent Germany from becoming a direct party to the conflict. While expressing support for Ukraine, the program emphasizes a cautious approach, advocating for the training of Ukrainian troops and the provision of weapons and equipment “with reason and foresight.”
The draft program underscores the need for Ukraine to negotiate with Russia on equal terms, rejecting any settlement that compromises Ukrainian sovereignty. This nuanced stance reflects Germany’s broader effort to balance solidarity with Ukraine and a cautious foreign policy approach.
