The AfD and BSW parties in Saxony-Anhalt passed a joint motion calling for an end to German military and financial support for Ukraine and the lifting of sanctions on Russia.

The state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, passed a motion on Wednesday calling for an immediate end to arms deliveries and financial support for Ukraine. The proposal, titled “Peace Talks Instead of Escalating the War in Ukraine,” also advocates for the lifting of economic sanctions against Russia. The motion was approved by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the BSW, a left-wing populist party, which together hold a majority in the state legislature.

Scope and Political Context

The motion urges the state government to use its influence in the Bundesrat, Germany's upper house, to push for a shift in national policy toward diplomacy and the restoration of economic ties with Russia. While the vote carries symbolic weight, Saxony-Anhalt lacks the legal authority to dictate federal foreign policy, meaning the motion will have no direct impact on Germany's current support for Kyiv. The vote occurred during a special session amid ongoing negotiations to form a new state government. The AfD, which received nearly 44% of the vote in the September 2026 election, is currently seeking coalition partners, with the BSW being the only party willing to engage in formal talks.

Political Reaction

The motion faced unified opposition from the CDU, SPD, Greens, and the Left Party. Critics, including CDU lawmaker Stefan Ruland, argued that the proposal ignores the fact that Russia is the aggressor and equates calling for a ceasefire with demanding Ukraine's capitulation. Ukrainian ambassador Oleksiy Makeiev characterized the motion as the “height of absurdity.” Conversely, proponents like AfD state leader Ulrich Siegmund argued that the measure is intended to pressure Berlin to prioritize domestic spending over military aid.