AfD leader Weidel criticizes Merz over Kyiv visit and Ukraine aid
In short
AfD leader Weidel criticized German Chancellor Merz’s visit to Kyiv, according to TASS and RIA Novosti. TASS said Weidel stated that Merz is promising Ukraine new billions from German taxpayer money while pension and health insurance funds lack funds and Germany is in a serious energy crisis. RIA Novosti described her statement as harsh.
Why it matters
The remarks, reported by Russian official outlets, point to domestic German criticism of aid to Ukraine amid budget pressures and an energy crisis. The documents do not report any German government response or new aid decision.
Key facts
- AfD leader Weidel criticized German Chancellor Merz’s visit to Kyiv. [ 1 , 2 ]
- TASS identified Weidel as co-chair of the Alternative for Germany party. [ 1 ]
- TASS reported that Weidel said Merz is promising Ukraine new billions from German taxpayer money. [ 1 ]
- Weidel said pension and health insurance funds lack money and Germany faces a serious energy crisis, according to TASS. [ 1 ]
- RIA Novosti described Weidel’s statement as harsh. [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- AfD leader Weidel criticized German Chancellor Merz’s visit to Kyiv. [ 1 , 2 ]
- TASS reported that Weidel said Merz is promising Ukraine new billions from German taxpayers while pension and health insurance funds lack money and Germany faces a serious energy crisis. [ 1 ]
- RIA Novosti reported that Weidel made a harsh statement over Merz’s visit to Kyiv. [ 2 ]
Still unclear
- The date and exact circumstances of Merz’s visit to Kyiv are not given. Both documents refer to the visit but do not say when it took place or what was agreed.
- The amount or details of any new German aid to Ukraine are not stated. TASS says Weidel mentioned new billions, but the documents give no figure, package or confirmation from the German government.
- Merz or the German government’s response to Weidel’s criticism is not included. Neither outlet reports a reaction from Merz or German officials.
- The full text of Weidel’s statement is not available in the documents. TASS gives a paraphrase and RIA Novosti’s feed summary contains no article text.