Afd's Keuter: Chancellor Merz's Rhetoric Risks Wider Ukraine War

2025-07-04 07:01:14

(MENAFN- Asia Times) In an era marked by open confrontation between NATO and Russia, Germany finds itself at the epicenter of both the military and economic implications of the Ukraine war. While the government of Chancellor Friedrich Merz continues to expand its support for Kiev - including through direct financing of arms production on Ukrainian territory - the largest opposition and second-largest party in the Bundestag (federal parliament) is highly critical of escalating talk of war with Russia.

Stefan Keuter, AfD parliamentary group deputy chair (Photo: AfD)

Stefan Keuter, a Bundestag member of the right-wing Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) and Deputy Chairman of the AfD parliamentary group, spoke with Asia Times about the need for a fundamental realignment of German security policy - away from confrontation and toward a strategic détente with Russia. He is a member of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and advocates the development of new security structures for Europe to include Russia rather than isolating the largest European nation and defining it as a forever enemy.

Uwe von Parpart, publisher of Asia Times, and Germany correspondent Diego Faßnacht conducted the interview with Stefan Keuter.

Diego Faßnacht: Mr. Keuter, many voices – including international observers – are saying that Germany has effectively become a party to the war in Ukraine. Do you agree?

Stefan Keuter: Look, I'm not a legal scholar, so I won't pretend to judge the precise legal threshold. But from a political and strategic standpoint, I think there are clear indications that we've crossed a line. And more importantly, the question isn't even whether we think we've become a party to the war - it's how others, especially Russia, see us. And if Moscow sees Germany as acting like an enemy, then for all practical purposes, that's what we are. That perception alone puts us in danger. We can argue all day about legal definitions, but if the other side treats us as a combatant, then we have a serious problem. And I don't think the German government fully understands the risks it's creating with its current course of action.

Diego Faßnacht: The German government is now actively supporting weapons production inside Ukraine. Can this still be described as indirect involvement?

Stefan Keuter: Honestly, no. It's a workaround, plain and simple. Because Germany can't – or won't – deliver certain weapons directly, especially those like the Taurus missiles, there's now this new idea of funding the production of such weapons directly on Ukrainian soil. So, in effect, we're outsourcing the manufacturing while still being financially and technically involved. It's a strategic sleight of hand. NATO expertise is likely involved as well, even if that isn't being said openly. The difference is purely bureaucratic. From a Russian point of view, and frankly from a sober assessment, we are helping Ukraine build the capacity to strike deeper and more effectively - and that, in my view, is not neutrality.

Uwe Parpart: Some argue that the Ukraine war is being used - perhaps deliberately - to wear down Russia, so the West can shift its strategic focus toward China later. Do you see merit in that perspective?

Stefan Keuter: I think it's not only plausible - I think there's a good chance that's exactly what the idea was from the beginning. The United States clearly sees China as its primary competitor in the long term. If you want to prepare for a confrontation with China - whether it's over Taiwan or in the Indo-Pacific more generally - then weakening Russia through a war of attrition first could well have been a strategic thought.

Uwe Parpart: Let's move to the broader Russia question. What is your position – and that of your party – on how Germany should handle its relationship with Moscow going forward?

MENAFN04072025000159011032ID1109762044

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.