Merz Defends Ukraine Aid as AfD Gains in German State Vote

German Chancellor Merz has promised to continue sponsoring Ukraine despite public discontent, warning that the war is entering its most decisive period. The far-right AfD, which opposes German aid to Ukraine, won nearly 44% in a German state vote, putting pressure on that support. Saxony's premier Kretschmer criticized Germany's backing for Ukraine, saying the country had long become a party to the conflict and calling it a "huge mistake."