# German political debate over Ukraine and Russian influence

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-political-debate-over-ukraine-and-russian-influence
> Updated: 2026-09-01T12:47:42.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 3.

Political tensions in Germany regarding Russian influence and support for Ukraine have intensified. Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev accused certain German political parties, specifically the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the left-wing Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), of receiving regular instructions from Moscow. Following these allegations, Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced criticism from the AfD and BSW after posting a social media tribute for Ukraine’s Independence Day. Critics questioned the Chancellor’s priorities, with some labeling him the ‘Chancellor of Ukraine’ and arguing that German taxpayer funds are being disproportionately directed toward foreign military aid while domestic economic challenges remain unaddressed.

As of September 2026, Merz continues to face significant political challenges and low approval ratings. A Forsa poll indicates that 78 percent of respondents believe Merz is performing his duties worse than they had expected prior to his appointment, while 54 percent consider him a worse chancellor than Olaf Scholz, and 71 percent rate him lower than Angela Merkel.

Internal coalition friction has also emerged following a proposed income tax reform. State Secretary Thomas Steffen of the Ministry of Economic Affairs criticized the plan, describing it as a “secret inflation-related tax increase,” leading to unrest between the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Finance. Additionally, energy security concerns have risen as German gas storage levels reached 53.28 percent in early September, falling below the European average of 65.39 percent. Chancellor Merz and Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger have expressed concern regarding potential supply shortages for the upcoming winter.

## Claims

- 78% of Germans believe Merz is performing worse than expected. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- 54% of citizens view Merz as a worse Chancellor than Olaf Scholz. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- 71% of citizens view Merz as a worse Chancellor than Angela Merkel. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- A letter from the Ministry of Economic Affairs has caused tension within the governing coalition regarding tax reform. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Economic State Secretary Thomas Steffen criticized the income tax reform as a secret inflation-linked tax increase. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- German gas storage levels are at 53.28 percent as of September 3, 2026. (single source)
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz is seeking regular updates on gas storage levels due to concerns over winter supply. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-01: Germany: Chancellor Merz faces low approval and coalition tension

Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces low approval ratings and internal coalition disputes over tax reform, while concerns grow over low German gas storage levels ahead of winter.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-chancellor-friedrich-merz-faces-negative-public-approval-in-new-poll

### 2026-08-25: Friedrich Merz faces record low approval in Germany despite popularity in Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces record-low domestic approval ratings amid economic concerns, while maintaining high popularity in Ukraine due to his administration's military and financial support.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/friedrich-merz-faces-criticism-over-ukraine-support

### 2026-08-03: Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev Accuses German Parties of Moscow Influence

Ukrainian ambassador Oleksii Makeiev alleges that German parties, including AfD and BSW, follow Moscow directives, prompting criticism and support from CDU and Greens while BSW denies the claim.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ukrainian-ambassador-makeyev-blames-german-parties-for-echoing-moscow

---
Cite as: German political debate over Ukraine and Russian influence. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-political-debate-over-ukraine-and-russian-influence