Germany’s Green Party leadership is signaling a potential shift in Berlin’s stance regarding military involvement in Ukraine, sparking debate about the nation’s security responsibilities and its relationship with the United States. Franziska Brantner, co-chair of the Green Party, stated in an interview with “Süddeutsche Zeitung” that Germany should be prepared to militarily secure a ceasefire in Ukraine if requested by Kyiv and a cessation of hostilities is achieved. She emphasized, however, that any such deployment would be contingent on specific conditions, explicitly ruling out the deployment of German soldiers into an active conflict zone.
Brantner’s comments reflect a growing apprehension within German political circles regarding Russia’s actions and a recognition of the need to deter further aggression from President Vladimir Putin, whom she frames as a key threat to European security. The sentiment underscores a move away from Germany’s traditionally cautious approach to military intervention.
Beyond the Ukraine conflict, Brantner’s remarks levied criticism against German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the CDU, echoing concerns about the assertive foreign policy of former US President Donald Trump. She argued that a firmer stance and clearly defined boundaries are necessary to effectively engage with actors like Trump, pointing to the Venezuela situation as an example where Germany should have demonstrated greater resolve.
Brantner’s analysis extends to broader geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning US actions regarding Greenland. She warned against complacency in the face of fundamental shifts in American foreign policy, labeling the belief that past patterns will simply resume as “irresponsible”. This underscores a call for greater European autonomy and independence from US influence.
To that end, Brantner is advocating for a significant overhaul of European defense capabilities, proposing the creation of a European Defence Union. Her vision includes fully operational European armed forces, streamlined decision-making processes, joint procurement strategies and a dedicated European defense agency empowered to make independent decisions. These proposals represent a considerable ambition to restructure European security architecture.
Addressing the potential perception that these shifts signal an abandonment of the Green Party’s long-held pacifist principles, Brantner unequivocally denied this. She asserted that the Greens remain the “strongest peace party” emphasizing that upholding the principle of territorial integrity has historically been Europe’s most effective pathway to stability. She concluded that defending this principle is ultimately the most pragmatic and enduring approach to securing peace, a direct rebuke to forces seeking to resurrect historical patterns of European conflict.