Thousands Rally in Berlin Against Arms for Ukraine as Biden’s Visit Looms

An estimated 10,000 demonstrators gathered in Berlin this week to protest Germany’s involvement in supplying weapons to Ukraine. With banners declaring “Negotiations! No weapons!” and “Pacifism is not naïve,” the anti-war crowd voiced their opposition to the continued military aid being sent to Kyiv. The protest comes just days before U.S. President Joe Biden’s planned visit to Germany, heightening the political tension surrounding the issue.

The demonstration was not only a plea for peace but also carried undertones of broader discontent. Some banners bore anti-American messages, highlighting the complex dynamics between Germany, the U.S., and their stance on the war. The protest tapped into a growing faction of German society uncomfortable with the nation’s involvement in escalating the conflict.

Germany, despite being one of Ukraine’s largest aid donors, has been inconsistent in its support. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has openly criticized other European nations for not doing enough, while his own government has been criticized for dragging its feet on key decisions. According to recent polls, German public opinion is shifting, with nearly 60% opposing the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine, up from 49% just a month earlier.

This protest is a reflection of the growing disillusionment among many Germans who see their country’s involvement as a step too far. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, these sentiments are unlikely to fade quietly. With President Biden’s visit on the horizon, Berlin is set to become a focal point for debates about Western involvement in armed conflicts and what shape peace might ultimately take.

The question now is whether these protests will influence policy, or whether Germany’s leadership will continue to navigate the murky waters of war support, balancing between allies and an increasingly divided domestic front.