Increasing Presence of NATO Troops in Ukraine Unthinkable

In the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, German political leaders are discussing potential responses, particularly regarding military deployment and support for Ukrainian refugees.

Markus Söder, the CSU leader, has proposed a number of ideas. He suggests discussing how to deal with Ukrainian refugees, with a focus on sending combat-capable Ukrainians back to their home country to ensure security there. However, Söder also stated that the Bundeswehr is not currently prepared for such a deployment due to financial and personnel constraints.

Söder's proposal to deport Ukrainian refugees to the front has been met with criticism. Ahmetović, the SPD's foreign policy spokesman, finds the idea bizarre and inappropriate. Green Party chairwoman Brantner goes a step further, accusing Söder of populism and questioning his desire for peace in Ukraine.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has not publicly expressed support for Söder's proposal to reintroduce conscription. The current government plans a voluntary military service system for 18-year-old men, without mandatory conscription. Norbert Röttgen, the CDU's foreign policy spokesman, has not endorsed mandatory conscription or the deployment of German soldiers in Ukraine related to Söder's suggestions, given the CDU's cautious stance and the official government approach.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has not ruled out the possibility of deploying German troops in Ukraine. He states that long-term security guarantees can only be decided upon when there is a ceasefire or a peace agreement. Merz has also clarified that there are no concrete plans for a military deployment in Ukraine in Germany. The German Bundestag must agree to any deployment of German troops, according to Merz.

On the issue of Ukrainian refugees, under the plans of the black-red coalition, Ukrainians arriving in Germany after April 1, 2025, will no longer receive citizen's allowance but lower benefits like asylum seekers. Söder proposes a different approach to the citizen's allowance for Ukrainians in Germany, aiming to increase their employment rate.

SPD foreign policy spokesman Adis Ahmetović agrees with Söder that deploying German ground troops is not a serious consideration at the moment. He also states that Russia is not ready to end the war and there is no ceasefire yet.

In a lighter note, Brantner comments that Söder should focus on eating sausage instead of discussing Ukraine.

It is important to note that Ukrainians in Germany came under a special rule, not as asylum seekers, allowing them to work immediately and receive citizen's allowance if needed.

In conclusion, German political leaders are engaged in a discussion about the potential deployment of troops and the support for Ukrainian refugees. While there is no concrete plan for military deployment, the leaders are considering various options as the situation in Ukraine evolves.