The Left Party’s line is: supplying arms to Ukraine is not the right way to stop Putin’s aggression. Thuringia’s Prime Minister Ramelow is now opposed to this resolution and emphasizes the right to defense. Party leader Schirdewan disagrees.
Thuringia’s Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow from the Left Party is in favor of German arms deliveries to Ukraine and is thus opposed to his party’s decisions. “I used to be against arms deliveries – today I would like to add that anyone who is attacked has the right to defend themselves,” Ramelow told the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
Ramelow said there was a time, even after Russia’s occupation of Crimea in 2014, when he still relied on certain dialogue formats. He also often criticized the sanctions. “My argument has always been: We need a negotiation process on how we can get along with Russia,” said Ramelow. “But that presupposes that there is still hope for democratization, stabilization and civilization.” But that has been over since February 24, the beginning of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine.
Left boss Martin Schirdewan disagreed. Arms deliveries are “not the position of the party”. Schirdewan told the Funke newspapers that he shared Ramelow’s view that the pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin must be increased. But “alternatives to military logic” would be needed. Only diplomacy can ensure lasting peace.
“That’s why we’re asking the federal government to finally do everything to persuade Russia to start peace negotiations,” said the left leader. This includes a joint diplomatic initiative by the European Union “to finally integrate China and India effectively”.