AfD Leader: EU Incapable of Ending Ukraine Conflict, Calls for Trump-Putin Diplomacy

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Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany’s right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has strongly criticized the European Union’s (EU) handling of the Ukraine conflict, arguing that both the EU and Germany lack the competence to mediate a peaceful resolution.

She expressed hope that former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin could swiftly bring an end to the hostilities.

EU and Germany ‘No Longer Capable’ of Delivering Peace

Speaking at a campaign event in Neu-Isenburg, central Germany, on Saturday, Weidel emphasized her party’s commitment to peace and diplomacy between Russia and Ukraine.

She criticized the political leadership in Germany and the EU, claiming that current politicians lack the expertise and strategic vision necessary to broker a ceasefire.

“We only have this small group of politicians sitting up there, who do not understand what they are actually talking about,” Weidel stated.

“They do not have the training; they do not have the experience.”

She further argued that Germany had missed an opportunity to initiate peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv following the escalation of the war in February 2022.

According to Weidel, Berlin should have actively pursued diplomatic negotiations with both Putin and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky but instead failed to act decisively.

Weidel Backs Trump’s Approach to Peace Talks

The AfD leader praised Trump for being “the only one who actually spoke about peace” during his election campaign and expressed confidence that a Trump-Putin negotiation could bring an end to the war.

“I personally have great hopes that the U.S., together with Russia, will end this terrible war as quickly as possible,” she said.

Trump, who was inaugurated for a second term last week, had repeatedly pledged during his campaign to bring the conflict to a swift conclusion if elected.

He recently reaffirmed his willingness to meet with Putin “any time” to discuss a diplomatic solution.

The Kremlin responded that Putin is open to dialogue but noted that Washington has not yet initiated formal contact regarding potential talks.

Criticism of German Foreign Policy

Weidel also took aim at German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, accusing her of mishandling diplomatic relations with Russia.

She referenced an incident at the 2023 G20 summit where Baerbock refused to shake hands with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

“When the German foreign minister refuses to shake hands… that is not how serious foreign policy works,” Weidel remarked.

Her comments reflect broader dissatisfaction within the AfD regarding Germany’s approach to the war, which the party believes has been overly aligned with the EU’s sanctions and military aid policies rather than focusing on peace efforts.

AfD Gains Ground Ahead of German Federal Elections

The AfD, founded in 2013 and known for its hardline stance on immigration and Euroskeptic policies, has been rising in the polls ahead of Germany’s federal election, scheduled for February 23.

Current polling data shows the AfD at approximately 20%, surpassing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), which stands at 16%.

However, it still trails the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which leads at 31%.

As the election approaches, the party’s calls for a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine conflict and its criticism of EU leadership could shape the broader debate on Germany’s foreign policy and its role in international peace efforts.

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