The far right and far left adopted a motion in Saxony-Anhalt against military support for Ukraine

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and the left-wing BSW formation adopted a symbolic motion on Wednesday in the parliament of the state of Saxony-Anhalt calling for Germany to end its military support for Ukraine. The initiative has no legal effect because state parliaments have no authority over Germany’s foreign policy.

The motion was voted on the same day that the trial of a former Ukrainian military officer accused of involvement in the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline began in Hamburg. The government in Kyiv has denied any involvement in the explosions that damaged the infrastructure carrying Russian gas to Germany.

AfD and BSW argue that German military support is prolonging the war and that the funds should be spent in Germany. The government of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Europe’s main supplier of military aid to Kyiv, has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine and attributed responsibility for the invasion launched in 2022 to Russia.

The vote fueled speculation about possible cooperation between the two parties. AfD recently achieved its best electoral performance in the state in its history, and the party’s leader, Ulrich Siegmund, intends to seek parliamentary confirmation for the office of premier by the end of the year. BSW rules out an official coalition but wants to change majorities on individual issues, thereby challenging the policy of isolating AfD.