Germany Leaves Door Open for Deploying Troops to Ukraine

(MENAFN) Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz left the door open Tuesday for deploying military personnel to Ukraine as part of a multinational peacekeeping operation, signaling a potential escalation in European involvement.

During a televised discussion with ZDF, the public broadcaster, Merz declined to directly address whether German Armed Forces would join such a deployment. He emphasized the broad international support behind the initiative, noting participation extends beyond Europe to include Canada, Australia, and additional nations. "If it ever comes to that, it will be a ceasefire agreement with Russia," he stated.

The proposal gained momentum following weekend diplomatic talks in Berlin on Sunday and Monday involving Ukraine and the US. Multiple European nations have now endorsed creating a European-commanded "multinational force for Ukraine." The operation, backed by Washington, aims to bolster Ukrainian military capabilities while safeguarding the nation's airspace and maritime domains.

Moscow's Opposition 'Will Change,' Chancellor Insists
When challenged about Russian President Vladimir Putin's rejection of foreign military presence in Ukraine, Merz offered a defiant response. "Putin has said 'nyet' (no) to many things, but at some point he will also have to say 'yes,'" he declared.

The chancellor characterized the Berlin discussions as productive, though he acknowledged creating a demilitarized buffer zone between warring parties remains complicated by Moscow's refusal to accept a cessation of hostilities.

"You have seen from Russia's reaction that this will not mean an end to the war. We must continue to work together. We must continue to support Ukraine together," he said.

Russian Asset Seizure Faces EU Uncertainty
Merz adopted a cautious stance regarding Thursday's EU summit, where leaders will debate whether to redirect frozen Russian state funds—totaling hundreds of billions of euros—toward Ukraine's defense and reconstruction.

The chancellor assessed agreement prospects as "fifty-fifty," while renewing his appeal for a "clear European stance toward Russia."

Twenty-seven heads of state and government will convene in Brussels starting Thursday to tackle the contentious issue. Belgium has expressed hesitation about the asset seizure plan, though Merz acknowledged their concerns diplomatically. "I don't share them, but I take them seriously," he remarked.

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