Overview

• Several prominent SPD members published a “peace manifesto” urging Germany to slow its arms build-up, stop stationing US missiles on German soil and pursue diplomatic talks with Russia.
• Defense Minister Boris Pistorius denounced the manifesto as “denial of reality” and pledged an extra €1.9 billion in military aid to Ukraine, potentially raising Germany’s 2025 support to about €9 billion.
• SPD leader Lars Klingbeil rejected any reversal of Ukraine support, arguing that military aid and diplomatic efforts are complementary rather than mutually exclusive.
• Key figures such as Saarland’s minister-president Anke Rehlinger and Juso head Philipp Türmer warned that Putin’s refusal to negotiate undermines calls for a new Russia policy.
• Factions on both sides will square off at the SPD congress from June 27 to 29 as members decide whether to embed the manifesto’s demands in the party’s security platform.