Is it appropriate to deploy German military personnel to Ukraine for the purpose of maintaining peace?
In a recent development, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has suggested that German troops could potentially be part of future security guarantees for Ukraine, should a peace agreement be reached. Merz emphasised Germany's high sense of responsibility and the need for parliamentary approval for any Bundeswehr deployments in Ukraine. However, it's important to note that currently, German soldiers are not stationed in Ukraine, and there is public reluctance towards such a mission.
The need for early recognition and response to potential Russian advances is crucial in this potential mission. The Association of Reservists in Germany has expressed openness towards the Bundeswehr's involvement in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Nevertheless, Sahra Wagenknecht, the chairwoman of BSW, has demanded that Merz rule out the deployment of German soldiers.
Wagenknecht's stance is based on the belief that Germany's potential deployment of soldiers could make it a party to the war, should a conflict arise. She also shares the view, as expressed in previous discussions, that Russia would not accept NATO troops in Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has reintroduced the topic of deployment for the peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. While Wadephul has not definitively ruled out the deployment of German soldiers, his position on the matter remains "open."
Patrick Sensburg, the president of the Association of Reservists, believes that if the mission conditions are favourable, Germany should take the lead and provide the largest contingent. However, he also stresses that a blanket demand for soldiers is insufficient; the military framework conditions are crucial.
A key condition for the mission to make sense is the establishment of a demilitarized buffer zone between Russian soldiers and peacekeepers. This would ensure the safety and effectiveness of the peacekeeping force.
As the Merz government continues to deliberate on security guarantees for a potential end to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the issue of German troop deployment remains a contentious one. The opposition from Sahra Wagenknecht, combined with the public's reluctance and the uncertain stance of Foreign Minister Wadephul, presents challenges for any decision to deploy German soldiers in Ukraine.
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