The German Chancellor clearly stated that even with a permanent ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia For now, there will be no German soldiers on Ukrainian territory.
Friedrich Merz only suggested another type of possibility of securing a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. — This may, for example, mean that after the ceasefire, we will direct forces supporting Ukraine to the neighboring territories of NATO countries, Merz said after a meeting of Ukraine's allies in Paris.
In other words Merz would be ready to send the Bundeswehr to Poland or other countries neighboring Ukrainebelonging to NATO. However, it does not envisage the presence of German soldiers in Ukraine itself.
On December 16, Merz joined other European leaders pledged to create a “multinational group for Ukraine”. The soldiers of this group would also support Ukraine in the event of another attack from Russia.
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And now a 180-degree turn? According to our information, the chancellor “doesn't rule out anything”, but he still has to take into account the position of the SPD. Merz now wants to initiate a political debate about the conditions in which German soldiers could be stationed. These would include, in particular, “a strong, legally binding security guarantee from the US and a US mechanism to safeguard European engagement,” the chancellor said.
He expressed his belief that The United States is ready to take such action. — Germany will continue to engage politically, financially and militarily, he emphasized. US envoy Steve Witkoff described security plans for Ukraine as “largely finalized.”
The chancellor's significant absence. The declaration was signed without him
At the beginning of the press conference, which started 45 minutes late, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky they solemnly signed joint plan for the deployment of troops in Ukraine: a declaration of intention to create an international force following the conclusion of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, Emmanuel Macron, President of France, and Keri Starmer, British Prime Minister. Paris, January 6, 2025PAP/EPA/LUDOVIC MARIN / POOL
Notes that Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who was the fourth to speak, was not present during this short presentation,as did American envoy Steve Witkoff.
As President Zelensky emphasized, the talks were aimed at increasing security and strengthening Ukraine relies on its partners and on activities that can provide real security guarantees. “Diplomacy and real assistance must go hand in hand,” Zelensky wrote on the X platform.
“Russia continues to attack our country, and now we must strengthen our air defenses to protect people, communities and key infrastructure,” he added. He previously discussed these issues with French President Emmanuel Macron.
“The United States has not abandoned Ukraine”
Potential violations of the expected ceasefire will need to be monitored on an ongoing basis so that they can be responded to appropriately. The Elysée Palace reminds us that after the annexation of Crimea in 2014, there were daily reports of ceasefire violations.
The personal participation of American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, was considered to be a sign of “re-rapprochement” between Ukraine, Europe and the USA. The Elysée Palace emphasized that the Coalition of the Willing led to the fact that “the United States has not abandoned Ukraine.”
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
