Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made headlines after walking out of a government meeting, reportedly refusing to pose for a photo with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The dramatic gesture underscores escalating tensions over a €3 billion ($3.1 billion) aid package for Ukraine, which Scholz has blocked, prompting criticism at home and abroad.
In an interview with Politico on Friday, Baerbock expressed frustration, stating the dispute had damaged Germany’s reputation among European allies. “Germany as a whole isn’t currently seen as a driving force for peace policy in Europe, and honestly that pains me,” she said.
While most German lawmakers support increasing military assistance for Ukraine, there is no agreement on how to fund the package. Opposition parties accuse Scholz of using the deadlock as a campaign tactic ahead of the February 23 elections.
The situation has sparked divisions within the government and raised concerns about Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine as the conflict with Russia continues.
