Sahra Wagenknecht has long been one of Germany’s most polarizing political figures.
Known for her leftist ideals and Eurosceptic stance, she has frequently stirred controversy.
Once labeled as “Putin’s friend,” Wagenknecht has often faced criticism for her views on Russia and the war in Ukraine.
Now, as Germany inches closer to legislative elections, her surprising condemnation of Vladimir Putin marks a significant departure from her previous rhetoric, according to Ziare.
Putin is a criminal
In a recent interview with ZDF, Wagenknecht didn’t hold back in her criticism of the Russian president.
"Those who start wars are criminals, and this also applies to Putin," she said.
Adding further clarity to her stance, she declared: "I condemn this war."
This is a sharp contrast to her earlier statements, where she admitted to having "misjudged" Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.
The timing of her comments is notable. With Germany set to hold legislative elections in two months, Wagenknecht’s pivot could shape the political landscape.
The conservative CDU/CSU bloc, which has consistently supported Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, is currently leading in the polls.
Wagenknecht’s acknowledgment of her earlier errors might reflect an attempt to reposition her political movement, Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht – Reason and Justice (BSW), in the eyes of the electorate.
For years, Wagenknecht’s alignment with Moscow drew both criticism and skepticism.
As a member of the Bundestag and a prominent leftist voice, her earlier reluctance to denounce Putin raised eyebrows among German and international observers.
However, her latest statements indicate a reevaluation of her stance as the war continues to devastate Ukraine and challenge European security.
The broader political climate in Germany has shifted significantly since Russia's invasion in 2022. Many political factions now advocate for stronger support for Ukraine and greater accountability for Russia.
Wagenknecht’s remarks signal her alignment with this growing consensus, though whether it will resonate with voters remains uncertain.
With elections looming, her pivot is as much a personal admission as it is a calculated political move.
