Overview

• SPD leader Rolf Mützenich emphasizes diplomacy and a long-term vision for peaceful coexistence with Russia, while acknowledging past misjudgments of Putin's ambitions.
• Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock considers the hypothetical deployment of German troops to Ukraine for peacekeeping, drawing sharp criticism from CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who calls such discussions premature.
• Mützenich warns of the potential need for Germany to create a special fund for Ukraine if Donald Trump, upon taking office, cuts U.S. military aid to the country.
• Chancellor Olaf Scholz defends Germany's significant military support for Ukraine, totaling €28 billion, and stresses the importance of avoiding NATO-Russia escalation.
• Upcoming German elections on February 23, 2025, follow the collapse of the coalition government, with debates intensifying over Ukraine policy and economic challenges.