1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
PoliticsGermany

Can Ukraine still count on Germany?

35:01

This browser does not support the video element.

October 2, 2026

Friedrich Merz says support for Ukraine is a matter of national interest. This week's Berlin Briefing asks whether a far-right AfD surge and Russia's return to the negotiating table spell trouble.

CHAPTER: 

00:00 Germany's Ukraine commitment under scrutiny 

03:26 Merz draws a line against Russia 

05:50 Why Germany is sending a message to Moscow 

08:04 Germany's strategic case for supporting Ukraine 

09:58 How the AfD is reshaping the Ukraine debate 

14:02 Would Russia Stop targeting Germany if Berlin changed course? 

18:33 Germany's East-West divide on Russia 

20:16 Could the AfD change Germany's Ukraine policy? 

26:27 Lavrov Meeting: Diplomacy or propaganda? 

29:25 Is the Ukraine war entering a new phase? 

 

You can listen to DW Berlin Briefing on 

Apple Podcasts: DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics 

Spotify: DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics 

Subscribe to the Berlin Briefing newsletter: Newsletter Registration 

Skip next section About the show

About the show

DW Berlin Briefing

From the US elections, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to evolving European security dynamics, this video podcast explores how these events impact Germany and the wider region.

Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW

More stories from DW