A proposal by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to support peace talks between Russia and Ukraine was almost unanimously rejected.
In addition to members of the Alternative for Germany party, the motion was supported by two members of the Bundestag from the Left party, with both votes belonging to Sahra Wagenknecht, who left the party and joined the BSW.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issued a statement of continued support for Ukraine, stressing that the courage needed was not to surrender but to defend the country’s interests. She said:
I firmly believe that certain realities cannot be fully understood until one witnesses them firsthand. Where is the Pope in all of this? The Pope must be aware of these things.
Germany expressed bewilderment over Pope Francis’ remarks about Ukraine’s need for negotiations with Russia, arguing that the most important thing now is to support Kyiv in self-defence. At the same time, the Pope has repeatedly expressed his readiness to help settle the conflict, stressing the importance of dialogue and peaceful solutions.
