AfD Co-Chair Weidel Calls for End to Ukraine Aid and Benefit Cuts

BERLIN (AP) — Alice Weidel, co-chair of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD), announced on Sunday that her party seeks an immediate halt to all financial and military assistance provided to Ukraine, while simultaneously demanding the cancellation of social benefits for specific groups of Ukrainian residents in Germany.

Speaking at a press conference in Berlin on September 14, 2026, Weidel outlined a sharp shift in the AfD's foreign policy stance, arguing that German resources should be redirected exclusively toward domestic priorities. The proposal marks a significant escalation in the party's long-standing opposition to the federal government's support for Kyiv following Russia's invasion.

Weidel stated that continued military shipments and financial transfers to Ukraine are unsustainable and detrimental to Germany's economic stability. She called for a complete cessation of arms deliveries and an end to budgetary allocations intended to bolster Ukraine's war effort. The co-chair emphasized that the German government must prioritize its own citizens over international commitments, framing the current aid package as a drain on national reserves.

In addition to foreign policy changes, Weidel targeted the treatment of Ukrainian refugees within Germany. She proposed stripping certain social welfare benefits from Ukrainians residing in the country, arguing that the current system creates an unfair advantage for newcomers compared to German nationals. The AfD leader did not specify which exact benefits would be cut but indicated that restrictions should apply broadly to those who have entered Germany since the conflict began.

The announcement comes as the war in Ukraine enters its third year, with European nations facing increasing pressure to maintain support levels amid rising domestic inflation and political polarization. Weidel's comments are expected to intensify debates within the German Bundestag, where the ruling coalition has consistently defended its aid strategy as essential for European security.

Government officials have not yet issued a formal response to Weidel's latest proposals. However, the federal government has previously rejected similar calls from opposition parties, maintaining that cutting aid would undermine Ukraine's defense capabilities and destabilize the region. The AfD's stance aligns with a growing segment of the German electorate that questions the duration and scope of financial commitments abroad.

As political tensions rise ahead of upcoming regional elections, the debate over Ukraine support has become a central dividing line in German politics. Weidel's call for an end to aid and benefit cuts raises questions about how the federal government will navigate these demands while managing diplomatic relations with Kyiv and NATO allies. It remains unclear whether other opposition parties will rally behind the AfD's position or if the ruling coalition can maintain its current course without significant political cost.

The situation continues to develop as lawmakers prepare for parliamentary sessions next week, where the issue is likely to be a primary focus of legislative debate.