German Election Victor Says Western 'Peacekeepers' in Ukraine Not Being Considered
Media reports suggest that the UK and France may send 30,000 troops in the event of a ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Media reports have indicated that the UK and France could deploy 30,000 troops if Moscow and Kiev reach a ceasefire.
Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union and the likely next chancellor, stated that the deployment of European “peacekeepers” to Ukraine is not a viable option at this time. Merz made these remarks during the 'Berlin Round' discussion hosted by ZDF and ARD on Friday, where he responded to speculation regarding the UK and France's plans to send peacekeepers to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire between the two countries.
He concurred with outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz that a deployment of this nature is improbable under the existing circumstances.
“I see it the same way as the chancellor: This question does not arise at all today,” Merz asserted. “The first question we must ask ourselves is: Do we continue to support Ukraine so that it can defend itself? In my view, we have not done enough so far; otherwise, this war would not have lasted almost three years by now.”
According to Scholz, discussions about a foreign contingent in Ukraine resemble “the fourth step before the first,” emphasizing that the immediate priority should be achieving “fair peace negotiations.”
Friedrich Merz's CDU won the recent German federal election, while Scholz’s Social Democratic Party faced significant losses. Merz is anticipated to take office after a coalition government is formed, although the timing of this transition remains uncertain.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the British-French plan envisions Western “peacekeepers” in Ukraine tasked with protecting critical infrastructure, cities, and ports, rather than being positioned directly at the front lines. The success of this plan is contingent upon whether London and Paris can persuade US President Donald Trump to endorse a limited American military involvement, especially in areas such as air defense, logistics, and intelligence.
Russia has expressed strong opposition to the idea of deploying Western peacekeeping forces, asserting that any unauthorized foreign military personnel in Ukraine would be seen as legitimate targets.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow views NATO's expansion towards its borders as a “threat,” suggesting that the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine, even under a different label, would not change this perception.
Additionally, Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service indicated last year that the West might seek to “essentially occupy Ukraine” under the guise of deploying peacekeepers.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union and the likely next chancellor, stated that the deployment of European “peacekeepers” to Ukraine is not a viable option at this time. Merz made these remarks during the 'Berlin Round' discussion hosted by ZDF and ARD on Friday, where he responded to speculation regarding the UK and France's plans to send peacekeepers to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire between the two countries.
He concurred with outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz that a deployment of this nature is improbable under the existing circumstances.
“I see it the same way as the chancellor: This question does not arise at all today,” Merz asserted. “The first question we must ask ourselves is: Do we continue to support Ukraine so that it can defend itself? In my view, we have not done enough so far; otherwise, this war would not have lasted almost three years by now.”
According to Scholz, discussions about a foreign contingent in Ukraine resemble “the fourth step before the first,” emphasizing that the immediate priority should be achieving “fair peace negotiations.”
Friedrich Merz's CDU won the recent German federal election, while Scholz’s Social Democratic Party faced significant losses. Merz is anticipated to take office after a coalition government is formed, although the timing of this transition remains uncertain.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the British-French plan envisions Western “peacekeepers” in Ukraine tasked with protecting critical infrastructure, cities, and ports, rather than being positioned directly at the front lines. The success of this plan is contingent upon whether London and Paris can persuade US President Donald Trump to endorse a limited American military involvement, especially in areas such as air defense, logistics, and intelligence.
Russia has expressed strong opposition to the idea of deploying Western peacekeeping forces, asserting that any unauthorized foreign military personnel in Ukraine would be seen as legitimate targets.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow views NATO's expansion towards its borders as a “threat,” suggesting that the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine, even under a different label, would not change this perception.
Additionally, Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service indicated last year that the West might seek to “essentially occupy Ukraine” under the guise of deploying peacekeepers.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
