In a “Peace Appeal” a group of left-wing SPD parties is pushing for a diplomatic offensive to stop the war. In the paper, which is available to “Spiegel”, the authors call for “an armistice as soon as possible as a starting point for comprehensive peace negotiations”. According to the SPD Left, the EU states would have to step up their diplomatic efforts. The exchange should also be intensified with other countries “in order to win them over to a mediating role between the warring parties”. The authors also explicitly mention China with its close ties to Moscow.

The authors also warn of the threat of nuclear war and the delivery of heavy military equipment to Ukraine. With their appeal, the signatories are at odds with parts of the party that are pushing for stronger military support for Ukraine. (tsp)