Ukraine conflict: Putin’s war prompts dramatic German U-turn
Germany has just witnessed a truly historic day. Chancellor Olaf Scholz only came to power in December, but within 24 hours he has transformed modern Germany’s foreign policy.
During an emergency parliamentary session on Ukraine on Sunday, Chancellor Scholz announced an additional $113bn (£84bn) for the German army.
There was an audible ripple of shock in parliament. Some MPs clapped, some booed, others looked stunned.
Undeterred, Mr Scholz went on to announce drastic measures that would have been unthinkable a week ago, including a constitutional commitment to Nato’s military spending target of 2% of GDP – and he confirmed that Germany would be sending weapons direct to Ukraine.
Within a few days, Vladimir Putin has managed to do what Nato allies have spent years trying to achieve: a massive increase of military spending in Germany.
This is arguably one of the biggest shifts ever seen in Germany’s post-war foreign policy.
Before Thursday’s invasion of Ukraine, such a militaristic stance would have been unacceptable for most Germans.
Traditionally Berlin focuses on diplomacy and dialogue, not military might, and historically there are deep economic and cultural links between Russia and Germany.
Many Germans have a fondness for Russia and a fascination for its culture. So the political debate about Russia has always been diverse and nuanced, with many in Germany willing to at least attempt to understand Moscow’s view.
But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shocked and stunned Germany’s government and German voters.
Pro-Moscow personalities, such as former SPD chancellor and Russian energy lobbyist Gerhard Schröder, are seen as toxic. Politicians who a week ago were still expressing understanding for President Putin’s arguments over Ukraine, such as prominent left-winger Sahra Wagenknecht, now say they were wrong.
Support for the Russian people is undiminished. MPs in parliament on Sunday gave a long, standing ovation when Mr Scholz praised Russian anti-war protesters for their bravery. But “Putin’s war”, as it’s now called in Germany, has destroyed any lingering sympathy for the Kremlin.
Germany’s dramatic foreign policy turnaround is all the more remarkable given the three parties in this governing coalition. The personalities running Germany’s government are far from hawkish Cold War warriors who relish the idea of a hike in military spending.
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