DISINFO: Blind support for Ukraine broke Germany
SUMMARY
Blind support for Ukraine broke Germany. The collapse of Berlin’s ruling coalition was the logical result of throwing ever more money at Kyiv at the expense of its own country. Even at this point almost no one in the German elites – whether political or media – is prepared to finally recognise that what Berlin needs to do is repair its relationship with Moscow. Such voices are there but still on the margins. Before that insight becomes mainstream again – if ever – Germany will not be able to solve its worsening problems. Maybe this is not the last German government to fall, among other things, over Ukraine.
RESPONSE
This disinformation story distorts actual facts in order to link Germany’s political crisis in November 2024 solely to the war in Ukraine.
The aim is clearly to influence the domestic German discussion to reject supporting Ukraine, bring a feeling of defeatism and induce the perception of dependence on Russia.
Blaming economic difficulties on governments supporting Ukraine is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative.
The German political crisis was mostly due to this country’s domestic political dynamics. While there is a strong economic component, and it is true that Germany’s economy has suffered from Europe’s rejection of Russian energy, there are other crucial elements, such as tensions inside the ruling coalition made of three very different parties with diverse agendas.
By framing the crisis as the result of Germany’s support for Ukraine, this disinformation story aims to exploit this situation to erode international support for Ukrainians’ defence against Russia’s aggression.
See other examples of similar disinformation narratives, such as claims that Europe is committing energy suicide without Russia, that according to the Draghi report, EU faces economic difficulties due to rejection of Russian energy, that Europe’s unescapable dependence on Russia has it on the edge of the abyss, or that sanctions that were supposed to destroy Russia may disintegrate the EU.