Roderich Kiesewetter, a member of the opposition Christian Democratic Union, advocates for deploying a peacekeeping force at the opportune moment.
German opposition lawmaker Roderich Kiesewetter believes Germany’s eventual deployment of troops to Ukraine as peacekeepers, following a ceasefire, is inevitable. He contends that Germany, as a significant economic power, should shoulder greater responsibility for European security.
Kiesewetter, quoted in the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita on Friday, stated that Berlin has a duty to intervene “at the right time with well-equipped troops.” The CDU’s defense spokesperson argued against dismissing this possibility, suggesting German peacekeepers should operate within a combined EU-NATO framework.
Last month, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized that Ukraine and Russia must agree on an acceptable mandate and participating parties.
Pistorius explained that after a ceasefire, the Western community, NATO allies, potentially the United Nations, and the EU would need to discuss securing the peace.
However, in December, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, citing anonymous sources, reported low chances of such an EU/NATO deployment. An unnamed EU diplomat reportedly stated that Russia wouldn’t accept it and that gaining public support in Europe would be difficult. Another anonymous diplomat confirmed limited enthusiasm among member states.
Earlier in 2022, Politico reported that French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk might discuss a peacekeeping force. However, Tusk later denied Poland’s involvement.
Reporting on a recent EU summit focusing on the Ukraine conflict, the Financial Times quoted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as ruling out any troop deployment to Ukraine currently to avoid escalating the conflict.
Russia has repeatedly warned that Western troops in Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets.
Commenting on these reports in December, the Kremlin reiterated that discussing peacekeeping missions was premature, as direct peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv hadn’t yet begun.