PARTEIATLAS

An independent field guide to Germany’s political parties

Federal politics2025 election edition

Issue deep dive

Ukraine & defence

Parties disagree sharply over weapons for Ukraine, relations with Russia, defence spending, NATO and the balance between military deterrence and diplomacy.

Where the parties stand

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CDU

Christian Democratic Union · centre-right · Christian-democratic / conservative / market-oriented

Party profile

Strong Ukraine support, more defence spending, growing conscription.

Manifesto and profile sources: [6]

Related manifesto details

  • Security: higher defence capacity, growing conscription model, continued support for Ukraine including weapons.

CSU

Christian Social Union in Bavaria · centre-right / conservative · Bavaria-only sister party of CDU

Party profile

Strong defence/Bundeswehr emphasis.

Manifesto and profile sources: [6][41]

SPD

Social Democratic Party · centre-left · social democratic

Party profile

Support Ukraine and NATO, with stronger caution around escalation.

Manifesto and profile sources: [10]

Related manifesto details

  • Foreign policy: strong EU/NATO orientation and continued support for Ukraine, while stressing diplomacy and avoiding direct NATO–Russia escalation.

Greens

Bündnis 90/Die Grünen · centre-left / progressive · green politics

Party profile

Very strong military/humanitarian Ukraine support; defence >2% GDP.

Manifesto and profile sources: [13]

Related manifesto details

  • Foreign & defence: substantial military, humanitarian and financial support for Ukraine; defence spending clearly above 2% of GDP.

AfD

Alternative für Deutschland · right-populist / nationalist; significant far-right currents

Party profile

End Russia sanctions / restore relations; rejects current Ukraine-policy consensus.

Manifesto and profile sources: [16]

Related manifesto details

  • Russia & Ukraine: end sanctions and restore economic/energy relations with Russia; sharply different from the current government's Ukraine policy.

Die Linke

The Left · left / democratic-socialist

Party profile

Anti-militarist; diplomacy/disarmament, sharply reduce foreign military role.

Manifesto and profile sources: [21]

Related manifesto details

  • Foreign policy: prioritise diplomacy, arms control and disarmament; drastically restrict the Bundeswehr's expeditionary role.

FDP

Free Democratic Party · liberal / market-liberal

Party profile

Very strong Ukraine military support and stronger defence.

Manifesto and profile sources: [24]

Related manifesto details

  • Ukraine: expansive support, including weapons; stronger German and European defence.

BSW

Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht – Vernunft und Gerechtigkeit · economically left + socio-culturally conservative

Party profile

Opposes arms deliveries and higher defence spending; negotiations with Russia.

Manifesto and profile sources: [27]

Related manifesto details

  • Ukraine / defence: rejects weapons deliveries to Ukraine and Israel and opposes higher defence spending; prioritises negotiations and a European security architecture including Russia.

From proposal to policy

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