German Chancellor hints possible troop deployment to Ukraine
In an interview with public broadcaster ZDF, Merz avoided a direct answer on whether the German Armed Forces would participate in such a mission. He noted that the Coalition of the Willing would include not only European countries but also Canada, Australia, and other nations. “If it ever comes to that, it will be a ceasefire agreement with Russia,” he said.
Following two days of talks in Berlin with Ukraine and the United States, several European nations expressed support for a European-led “multinational force for Ukraine.” The proposed force, backed by both Europe and the US, is designed to assist Ukrainian armed forces and ensure the security of airspace and maritime areas.
Addressing the concern that Russian President Vladimir Putin opposes foreign troop deployments in Ukraine, Merz replied, “Putin has said ‘nyet’ (no) to many things, but at some point he will also have to say ‘yes.’” The chancellor emphasized that the Berlin talks had made progress.
Merz also mentioned the possibility of establishing a demilitarized zone to separate the conflicting parties, while acknowledging Russia’s ongoing resistance to a ceasefire. “You have seen from Russia's reaction that this will not mean an end to the war. We must continue to work together. We must continue to support Ukraine together,” he said.
On the topic of frozen Russian state assets in the EU, Merz expressed skepticism about reaching an agreement during this week’s EU summit. He said the chances were “fifty-fifty” and called for a “clear European stance toward Russia.”
Merz acknowledged Belgium’s hesitations regarding the use of hundreds of billions of euros in frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine, stating, “I don't share them, but I take them seriously.”
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