Germany open to peacekeeper role in Ukraine amid NATO talks
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has stated she "does not rule out" the possibility of sending German soldiers to Ukraine as part of peacekeeping forces after a potential ceasefire. At the NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, she emphasized that aside from security guarantees such as NATO membership, an "international presence to secure the truce" is also being considered.
When asked about Germany's possible role in such a mission, Baerbock stated that Germany "fully supports everything that serves peace in the future."
The issue of which countries could provide peacekeeping forces is gaining particular significance in light of the upcoming change in power in the United States. In Brussels, it is not excluded that the new U.S. President, Donald Trump, might try to pressure Ukraine and Russia to enter into negotiations.
Trump could, for example, threaten Ukraine with stopping military aid if it refuses. Conversely, he could announce increased military support for Kyiv to Russia's President Vladimir Putin if Russia does not enter into talks.
European soldiers in a peacekeeping mission?
The new head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, expressed her conviction over the weekend that European soldiers could secure a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. According to her, these troops could come from countries that have previously declared readiness to discuss sending a contingent. These countries include, for example, France and the Baltic states.
On Tuesday, Radio Liberty, citing a high-ranking NATO official, reported that Paris and London are considering the deployment of French and British troops along the demarcation line between Russia and Ukraine to monitor adherence to a ceasefire that could be achieved through negotiations.
Ukraine cannot expect an invitation to NATO membership before Donald Trump's inauguration as U.S. president on January 20. Mark Rutte, the Alliance's secretary-general, made this clear at the last meeting of foreign ministers before Trump took office.
Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership
The Kremlin has warned NATO against accepting Ukraine, calling it an "unacceptable" threat. The new Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrij Sybiha, met in Brussels with allies at a NATO-Ukraine Council meeting, including Kaja Kallas.
According to his ministry in Kyiv, Sybiha believes that NATO membership is the "only real guarantee" of the country's security. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demands rapid admission to the Alliance to secure the parts of the country controlled by Kyiv against Russia. In return, he is temporarily willing to forgo regaining territories occupied by Moscow.
Trump plans a quick agreement with Putin
Donald Trump intends to reach an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin within "24 hours" of taking office, which puts enormous pressure on Zelensky. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, however, did not give hope to the Ukrainian president.
He stated that the Alliance is currently about "more military aid and less about discussions on what the peace process looks like." He stressed that Ukraine needs to be brought to a "position of strength" before possible negotiations with Russia. Rutte met with Trump about ten days earlier in Florida.
