Description: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz while attending the Nordic geopolitical summit announced his intent to supply long – range cruise and ballistic missiles to Ukraine. The initiative arrived after Russia battered Ukraine over the weekend by launching more than 350 drones and around 70 ballistic missiles, on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. Merz’s coalition partners from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) have stated that they wouldn’t support such initiative despite reassurances from the Chancellor, that approvals for the usage of long – range weapons have already been authorized in France and the UK. Merz in his statement also mentioned that the war could end by the economic or military exhaustion by either side, which was far from happening as Russia has made its most significant advances over the past half a year. The oppositional claims arrive at a sensitive time as Merz is expected to host Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskyy on Wednesday in a one-day visit where the leaders would discuss Germany’s support of Ukraine’s defensive efforts.
Impact: Merz continues to face stiff opposition within his own ranks which signals deep political divisions in Germany’s ruling coalition which could pose a serious threat to the country’s internal executive capabilities and involvement in foreign issues such as the war in Ukraine. Germany is the second largest supplier of military equipment to the Ukrainian military after the US and political opposition within its ranks could potentially cripple critical supplies which are crucial since Ukraine’s is currently on the backfoot on the battlefronts. Facing such incohesion from its political allies Merz would have difficulties navigating through its own political ranks while facing international and domestic pressure. The unambiguous approach from Merz’s coalition partners towards the defense of Ukraine would potentially cause further internal political divisions which threaten the impact of Germany’s government on the global and domestic scene.