A former leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) parliamentary group, Rolf Mützenich, has expressed deep concern over the recent exchange of nuclear threats between US President Donald Trump and Russia.
Mützenich, in an interview with “Der Spiegel”, described the verbal sparring between Trump and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev as “not only insensitive and reckless, but irresponsible”. He drew a stark parallel to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki 80 years ago, referencing the devastating loss of life – estimated at over 200,000 – resulting from the US military actions on August 6th and 9th, 1945.
The current escalation followed a series of online provocations, culminating in Trump’s decision to dispatch two nuclear submarines closer to Russian territory in response to Medvedev’s statements.
Mützenich cautioned against the use of nuclear weapons, characterizing such discussions as inherently dangerous. He also voiced criticism regarding the perceived lack of a robust response from German political leadership. He argued that when a sitting president-particularly a partner in a shared military alliance-engages in public discourse of this nature, a clear and forceful counterstatement from the German government would be expected.
Highlighting Germany’s participation in nuclear deterrence and involvement in NATO nuclear planning, Mützenich emphasized the nation’s obligation to act with serious and responsible conduct. He strongly advocated for a clear and resolute stance on the matter.