NATO forces deployed in Ukraine difficult to envision

In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, various political figures in Germany are expressing reservations and suggesting different approaches to the situation.

According to Adis Ahmetović, foreign policy spokesman for the SPD, Germany should not consider deploying ground troops at this moment. This sentiment is shared by Markus Söder, leader of the CSU, who is against the deployment of the German military in Ukraine as part of security guarantees. Söder cites financial and personnel constraints as reasons for his stance.

However, Söder has suggested discussing how to deal with combat-capable Ukrainian refugees and changing the current system of citizens' allowance for Ukrainians in Germany. He argues that the current system leads to a lower employment rate compared to other European countries. Adis Ahmetović, however, is puzzled by Söder's suggestion to deport Ukrainian refugees from Germany to the front. The Green Party leader, Franziska Brantner, accuses Söder of populism.

Friedrich Merz, CDU leader, is not ruling out military deployment in Ukraine but considers the discussion premature. He states that long-term security guarantees can only be decided upon when there is a ceasefire or a peace agreement. Merz also places significant reservations on the deployment of German soldiers, with the type of agreement with Russia being a factor in his decision.

The concrete security guarantees from the USA are unclear, and they depend on the possibilities and scope of German engagement, according to Adis Ahmetović. The German Bundestag's agreement is necessary for any military deployment, according to Friedrich Merz.

A coalition of about 30 states, including European states, Japan, and Australia, has pledged their support for the initiative. This coalition, which includes France, the United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, and more, has over 30 heads of state and government participating in discussions and around 26 countries committed to providing troops or security guarantees.

Notably, Russia would not accept NATO troops stationed in Ukraine, according to Markus Söder. No plans for direct NATO involvement in a troop securing a peace agreement have been made.

In the midst of these discussions, it appears that Germany's role in the Ukraine crisis remains uncertain, with political figures offering various perspectives and suggestions. The future course of action will likely depend on the evolving situation and the collective decision of the German government.