Germany’s Green Party, once firmly anti-war, is now backing U.S. missile strikes against Russia in support of Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock voiced her approval of the Biden administration’s decision to allow Ukraine to launch U.S. missiles into Russian territory, arguing that action is needed before Russia strikes first. Economics Minister Robert Habeck also supports supplying German-made Taurus missiles to Ukraine, citing the need to protect civilians by targeting Russian launch bases close to the Ukrainian border.
This shift aligns the Greens with other European nations like the UK, France, and Eastern Europe, marking a significant departure from their previous opposition to NATO and U.S. military presence. However, Chancellor Olaf Scholz remains hesitant, stating that providing the missiles would involve Germany in the conflict. Public opinion in Germany also opposes the move, with polls showing strong resistance.
Friedrich Merz, the CDU’s lead candidate, supports the missile supply, while Habeck, if elected chancellor, has pledged to approve it. Meanwhile, Russia has strongly warned that the approval of long-range missile strikes could lead to World War III, with President Putin claiming it would involve NATO and Western countries directly. Russian MP Maria Butina also criticized the decision, urging President-elect Donald Trump to reverse it, fearing it could escalate tensions globally
