Beyond the Headlines: Germany’s 2025 Election and Ukraine

Elections cycles tend to be short-sighted, with politicians jockeying for quick political wins and headlines. But this does not leave much room for more complex issues that don’t fit neatly into sound bites. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is one such issue — in Germany’s 2025 election campaign, it runs the risk of falling victim to oversimplification and political tunnel vision.

Over the past months, many of the German debates have centered on whether to deploy ​‘Taurus’ missiles and what the budgetary implications of increased German defense spending would be. But these discussions overshadow important longer-term questions. What happens to the Ukrainians in the Russian-occupied zones who may be ​‘left behind’ when Ukraine is forced to cut a diplomatic deal and freeze the front line as is? What could the country’s longer-term reconstruction look like? And what key perspectives are missing from Germany’s political discussions on peace in Ukraine?

To go beyond the headlines, we spoke with GPPi experts Julia Friedrich, Polina Lebedeva, Andreas Heinemann-Grüder and Niklas Balbon. In this video series, they break down the overlooked dimensions of Russia’s war against Ukraine — and what incoming German policymakers need to understand.

Videos in the Series

What is one aspect of Russia’s war against Ukraine that does not make headlines in Germany but should?

Julia Friedrich, Polina Lebedeva, Andreas Heinemann-Grüder and Niklas Balbon break down some dimensions of the conflict that risk being overlooked by the media as Germany’s 2025 election campaign heats up.

What is one thing incoming German parliamentarians should know when it comes to Ukraine?

Julia Friedrich, Polina Lebedeva, Andreas Heinemann-Grüder and Niklas Balbon offer their thoughts on what Germany’s next leaders should consider when making decisions about the country’s policy on — and funding for — Ukraine in the next four years.

How could a people-centered approach to the war in Ukraine reshape German foreign policy?

Abstract conversations about the movements of the frontline come into sharp focus when you take a people-centered approach — something Julia Friedrich thinks German policymakers should consider when debating how and to what extent to arm Ukraine.

Some of Germany’s political parties are pushing for peace in Ukraine as part of their election campaign. What do people get wrong in this peace debate?

Almost three years after Russia launched its assault on Ukraine, discussions about peace negotiations are gaining momentum — both internationally and among German politicians. But what kind of peace can we expect from an aggressor like Vladimir Putin? And how can we ensure an eventual peace deal does not come at the expense of the Ukrainian people? Andreas Heinemann-Grüder warns, ​“Those in Germany who are calling for peace may not demand anything of Ukraine that they would not demand of themselves.”

Instead of simply pushing for peace, what concrete questions should the German government consider to frame their debate on Ukraine?

In the 2025 German election campaign, some parties ran on a platform of peace in Ukraine — but what would establishing peace in Ukraine mean in practice? And is Germany prepared to back up its words with actions? GPPi’s Ukraine expert, Andreas Heinemann-Grüder discusses some of the tough questions Germany should ask itself.

In post-war Ukraine, how might a feminist perspective contribute to efforts to rebuild the country?

GPPi’s Ukraine expert Niklas Balbon explains how feminist approaches to reconstruction can make a meaningful impact — not just in restoring what was lost, but in creating an even more just and inclusive future for Ukraine.