AfD and BSW Push Saxony-Anhalt to Demand Halt to German Ukraine Aid

The parliament of the German state of Saxony-Anhalt passed a resolution demanding the immediate halt of all German financial and military aid to Ukraine. The resolution was carried by votes from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Alliance Sarah Wagenknecht (BSW) parties, both of which have been criticized for taking positions sympathetic to Russia.

The resolution also calls on CDU Premier Sven Schulze to use his influence in the Bundesrat — the upper house of Germany's parliament — to advocate for peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. BSW MP Claudia Wittig stated: "It is your responsibility to finally work for peace through all channels."

CDU MP Stefan Ruland sharply criticized the resolution, saying: "Whoever demands a ceasefire only from the attacked party demands not peace, but capitulation." All parties other than AfD and BSW refused to support the measure.

The resolution carries no direct legal weight on German federal foreign policy, as individual German states do not have jurisdiction over international affairs. However, it reflects the political influence of pro-Russian narratives in parts of eastern Germany.

AfD won the Saxony-Anhalt state elections in September 2026 with approximately 44% of the vote, making it the largest party, though other parties have refused to enter a coalition with it. BSW, a left-nationalist party founded in 2024 as a breakaway from The Left party by former MP Sahra Wagenknecht, entered parliament with just over 5%.

The AfD has been classified as a "confirmed right-wing extremist" organization by state security services. Political scientist Armin Pfahl-Traughber noted: "What AfD and BSW share is rejection of the political elite, a pro-Putin stance, and criticism of German Ukraine support."