German leftist leader rules out deploying Bundeswehr peacekeepers in Ukraine

Sahra Wagenknecht, the leader of the German leftwing party Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance – Reason and Justice, has ruled out contributing German troops to an international peacekeeping force in Ukraine.

According to her, Germany “could not seriously station” troops on the Russian border given its history, given that more than 20mn Soviets were killed during the Second World War, Caliber.Az reports via Western media.

“We need UN troops there, but these should come from the powers that have now mediated in the war,” she said, pointing to Brazil, China and Türkiye. 

Notably, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has consistently ruled out sending German soldiers to Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of avoiding actions that could escalate the conflict between NATO and Russia.

Discussions have taken place among European leaders regarding the potential deployment of troops to Ukraine, particularly in the context of a ceasefire or peacekeeping mission. However, German officials have maintained that such considerations are premature and contingent upon the establishment of peace or a ceasefire. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the issue of deploying German soldiers would only arise once peace or a ceasefire is achieved.

By Khagan Isayev