Alice Weidel, leader of the “Alternative for Germany” (AfD) party, has called for the deportation of Ukrainian refugees from Germany once the war in their country ends.
In an interview with the British “Financial Times,” Weidel stated, “When the war ends, all Ukrainians will have to return to their country to help rebuild Ukraine.” She emphasized that Ukrainian refugees have no future in Germany and pointed out that allowing them to receive social welfare payments was a mistake.
Additionally, Roderich Kiesewetter, a member of the German parliament from the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and a member of the International Affairs Committee, supported the idea, which originated in Kyiv, of repatriating military-aged men to their homeland. He urged the German authorities to facilitate this process.
Germany has been a significant supporter of Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict with Russia. The German Government has provided extensive financial support, amounting to more than €27.8 billion, to aid people in Ukraine. This support encompasses not just military equipment but also includes a substantial winter assistance program, assistance for refugees, efforts to investigate war crimes, humanitarian assistance, and mine clearance operations. Germany’s commitment to helping Ukraine extends beyond immediate aid to long-term reconstruction and stabilization efforts.
In terms of military support, Germany has been proactive in supplying arms and equipment from its Bundeswehr stockpiles as well as from defense industry deliveries funded by the German Government’s budget. In 2024, Germany plans to double its military aid to Ukraine to €8 billion ($8.5 billion), which is a response to the year’s experiences that showed the quickly exhausted planned amounts. This increase in military aid reflects Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
Furthermore, Germany has imposed substantial sanctions on Russia as a response to the aggression. These sanctions are wide-ranging and unprecedented, covering various sectors, including financial markets, technology, energy, and more. There is also a focus on documenting war crimes committed during the conflict, with Germany supporting the investigation efforts both financially and through expert assistance.
