German chancellor: Even in the case of a lasting peace… there will be no German boots on the ground of Ukraine

The German chancellor made it clear that Germany won’t send German troops to Ukrainian territory to secure peace, even if a lasting peace is achieved between Ukraine and Russia.

Friedrich Merz (CDU) has indicated that he only envisions a possible cease-fire in Ukraine.

“This could include, for example, that after the ceasefire we register troops for Ukraine on neighboring NATO territory,” Merz said after a meeting of Ukraine’s allies in Paris.

This means that Merz will be prepared to deploy troops from the German army in Poland or in other countries neighboring Ukraine within NATO, but not within Ukraine itself.

He added that the type and size of the German contribution would be determined by the German Federal Government and the Bundestag, after clarifying the terms of the ceasefire.

Merz said: “We don’t rule out anything in principle,” as one of the basic conditions is a strong and legally binding security guarantee from the United States, in addition to what is known as “American backstop” to secure any European commitment, the adviser said, expressing his conviction that the United States is ready for this.

“Germany will continue to contribute politically and financially, as well as militarily,” he stressed.

At the start of the press conference, which began about 45 minutes late, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in a symbolic move to sign a joint plan for troops, a declaration of intent to form an international force after the ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

The Ukrainian president said the talks were aimed at giving Ukraine more security and strength, noting that his country is counting on its partners and on steps that can provide real security.

Zelensky wrote on X: “Diplomacy and real help must go hand in hand… Russia doesn’t stop its attacks on our country, and we now need to strengthen air defense to protect our people, our communities, and critical infrastructure”.