Germany's Minister-President Kretschmer criticizes German troops over unsuitable conditions in Ukraine
In the ongoing tension between Ukraine and Russia, the debate over the deployment of troops to Ukraine has become a hot topic, with various political figures expressing their opinions.
Ex-US General Ben Hodges has called for thousands of European soldiers to effectively protect Ukraine from future Russian attacks. However, the official political stance of German leaders is that Germany will not deploy ground troops to Ukraine, even as part of a peacekeeping mission if the war ends. This position was reaffirmed by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who explicitly stated that Germany would not send troops to Ukraine.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, however, has not ruled out the idea of sending German soldiers to Ukraine in the future, particularly in the context of security guarantees following a peace agreement. He indicated his willingness to discuss such options with coalition partners and the German parliament, but emphasized that it is too early to make definitive decisions. This proposal has sparked significant controversy, including strong opposition from parties like the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), which strongly rejects sending German soldiers to Ukraine to avoid escalating the conflict with Russia.
Despite not deploying troops, Germany continues to provide substantial financial and military aid to Ukraine, pledging around €9 billion (approximately $10.5 billion) in support through 2026, aiming to strengthen Ukraine’s own military capacity rather than deploying German troops directly. Additionally, Germany is preparing for potential escalations closer to home through domestic defense planning and infrastructure readiness, but this does not include sending ground troops to Ukraine.
SPD Bundestag member and defense expert Andreas Schwarz does not rule out the deployment of German soldiers to Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement, but notes that Germany lacks the potential to deploy thousands of soldiers immediately. The White House has also commented on possible US support for European security guarantees to Ukraine, with air support being an option.
Meanwhile, Green politician Anton Hofreiter does not see a quick peace settlement in Ukraine and criticizes the slow action and perceived weakness of European states in supporting Ukraine. Green Party foreign policy spokesman Omid Nouripour warns that Putin's demands could lead to the end of Ukraine.
The political landscape reflects a cautiousness about direct military involvement on the ground in Ukraine, despite strong material and financial support from Germany. The debate continues, with various figures advocating for different approaches to ensure Ukraine's security while avoiding escalating the conflict with Russia.
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