Germany eyes potential troop deployment to Ukraine for peacekeeping after ceasefire

German troops could potentially be deployed to ensure peace following a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, according to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. 

Speaking at a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels, Baerbock discussed the possibility of an international presence to enforce a ceasefire, alongside the security guarantees offered to Ukraine in addition to its NATO membership, Caliber.Az reports referring to Die Welt.

She emphasized that any peace initiatives in the future would receive full support from Germany.

Baerbock's remarks came shortly after EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas indicated that European military forces might be sent to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. Kallas noted that countries like France and the Baltic states had already expressed their willingness to discuss the issue of sending troops to Ukraine.

Discussions regarding the potential deployment of Western troops to Ukraine have reportedly resumed, according to a November article in Le Monde. Citing sources, the French newspaper stated that Britain and France were engaged in talks on defence cooperation, focusing on forming a core group of European allies dedicated to Ukraine’s security. These talks, described as "essentially classified," were reignited following British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to France on November 11, a visit spurred by concerns about the potential for reduced U.S. support for Ukraine if Donald Trump were to return to the presidency.

Though no official authorization has been granted by the French government to send troops or private military contractors, proposals for such a deployment have been under consideration for several months. 

In February, French President Emmanuel Macron did not rule out sending a Western military contingent to Ukraine, particularly if there were a breakthrough on the frontlines and a formal request from Kyiv. However, Macron's comments were met with criticism both in Russia and the West. NATO leadership made it clear that there were no plans to send a NATO force into the combat zone, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that such a deployment was unnecessary. 

The Kremlin warned of the risks of direct conflict between Russia and NATO if Western troops were to enter Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also claimed that French and British forces were already operating in the region.

By Tamilla Hasanova