**Mützenich: Scholz has 'miscalculated' with Ukraine policy**

**SPD faction leader warns of consequences for Germany**

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, May 31, 2023

Rolf Mützenich, parliamentary group leader of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), has accused Chancellor Olaf Scholz of "miscalculating" Germany's policy on Ukraine. In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Mützenich warned that the decision to send heavy weapons to Ukraine could have "serious consequences" for Germany.

"I believe that Scholz has misjudged the situation," Mützenich said. "The delivery of heavy weapons will only prolong the war and increase the risk of a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO." Mützenich also criticized Scholz for not doing enough to support diplomatic efforts to end the war.

"The government has focused too much on military support for Ukraine and not enough on diplomacy," Mützenich said. "We need to find a diplomatic solution to this conflict, not a military one." Mützenich's comments come as the Bundestag prepares to vote on a motion to extend the government's mandate to send weapons to Ukraine. The motion is expected to pass, but the opposition Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) has criticized the government for not doing enough to support Ukraine.

"The government's decision to send heavy weapons to Ukraine is a mistake," said Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU/CSU. "It will only prolong the war and increase the risk of a wider conflict." Merz also called on the government to do more to support the Ukrainian government financially and to provide humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees.

The debate over Germany's policy on Ukraine is likely to continue in the coming weeks and months. The war has already had a significant impact on Germany's economy and society, and there is no easy solution to the conflict. Mützenich's comments reflect the growing concern among some in Germany about the potential consequences of the war for the country.