NATO troops in Ukraine barely conceivable in Southern region

In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the potential role of German troops has become a topic of debate among German political leaders.

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has not ruled out the possibility of German military deployment in Ukraine, but considers discussions about it premature. According to Merz, long-term security guarantees can only be decided upon when there is a ceasefire or a peace agreement. The German Bundestag's agreement is necessary for any military deployment, he added.

CSU leader Markus Söder, however, has expressed opposition to deploying the German military in Ukraine as part of security guarantees. Instead, Söder proposed a change in the approach to the citizen's allowance for Ukrainians in Germany, aiming for a higher employment rate. This suggestion has raised concerns among some politicians, with SPD foreign policy spokesman Adis Ahmetović expressing apprehension over Söder's proposal to potentially deport Ukrainian refugees to the front.

The CSU chairman's stance has drawn criticism from the Green Party. Green Party leader Franziska Brantner accused Söder of populism regarding Ukraine's security. Brantner also stated that Söder does not appear to want peace in Ukraine.

Notably, a coalition of 30 countries, including European states, Japan, and Australia, has pledged their support for an initiative to secure a peace agreement in Ukraine. This coalition, led by France and the UK, has not specified a full list of the countries involved. However, no plans for direct NATO involvement in a force that could secure a peace agreement have been announced.

Russian President Vladimir Putin may find Söder's stance pleasing, given the tensions between Russia and the West. Ahmetović noted that Russia is not yet ready to end the war and there is no ceasefire.

Merz, on the other hand, would place the deployment of German soldiers "under significant reservations". He emphasised that there are no concrete plans for a military deployment in Ukraine "at least in Germany".

As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, the debate over the role of German troops and the future of Ukrainian refugees in Germany remains a contentious issue among political leaders.