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Reports have surfaced suggesting the UK and France might deploy 30,000 troops should a ceasefire be reached between Moscow and Kiev.
Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and likely the next chancellor, stated that deploying European “peacekeepers” to Ukraine is not a current possibility.
During a ‘Berlin Round’ session on ZDF and ARD, Merz addressed these reports of a potential deployment of up to 30,000 peacekeepers by the UK and France if a ceasefire occurs.
He concurred with outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz that such a deployment is unlikely given the present situation.
“I agree with the chancellor: This issue is not relevant at this time,” Merz said. “The primary question is: Do we continue to support Ukraine in its defense? I believe we haven’t done enough; otherwise, the war wouldn’t have lasted nearly three years.”
Scholz believes discussions of a foreign contingent in Ukraine are premature, stating that the immediate focus should be on “fair peace negotiations.”
Friedrich Merz’s CDU won the recent German federal election, while Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) suffered considerable losses. Merz is anticipated to assume office after a coalition government is formed, though the timing is uncertain.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the British-French plan involves Western “peacekeepers” protecting key infrastructure, cities, and ports in Ukraine, rather than engaging directly on the front lines. The plan is also dependent on whether London and Paris can persuade US President Donald Trump to commit to a limited American military role, providing crucial support in areas like air defense, logistics, and intelligence, according to the WSJ.
Russia has strongly opposed the potential deployment of Western peacekeeping forces, warning that any unauthorized foreign military personnel in Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that Moscow views NATO expansion towards Russian borders as a “threat,” implying that the deployment of the bloc’s troops in Ukraine, even under a different guise, would not change this perception.
Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) suggested last year that the West might try to “essentially occupy Ukraine” under the pretext of deploying peacekeepers.