German parliament backs motion supporting Ukraine

The German parliament on Wednesday passed a motion expressing support for Ukraine to mark the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion, with the government coalition supporting and opposition parties opposing.

Ukraine was defending freedom, democracy and the rules-based world order, the motion said. Acceptance of a land grab and violence in Europe would provide an excuse for other countries to pursue territorial expansion, it said.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called for Ukraine to be supplied with munitions and for increased sanctions on Russia, in particular in relation to its oil exports.

The hard-left Die Linke and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) opposed the motion, accusing the government of playing the military card, while the Greens criticized it for not going far enough.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul speaks during the debate on the situation in Ukraine in the 59th plenary session of the German Bundestag. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa