Merz’s bid to put German boots in Ukraine could lead Berlin to disaster, warns minister

Sahra Wagenknecht, co-leader of the Bundnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), criticised German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over his conscription reform plan and statements regarding a potential war with Russia. Speaking at a party convention in Magdeburg, Wagenknecht warned that such a conflict is “neither winnable nor manageable” and could escalate into a nuclear crisis. She condemned Merz for risking Germany’s economic stability and global reputation, voiced support for student protests against military service reform, and denounced other parties’ enthusiasm for arms production. Wagenknecht’s remarks highlight growing domestic opposition to conscription, NATO obligations, and Germany’s military expansion plans amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.