Germany hesitates to send troops to Ukraine: MoD outlines conditions
Photo: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Germany supported the idea of a European military mission for Ukraine but is still hesitating to send its own troops, setting conditions regarding the mandate, command, and participation format, according to Spiegel.
According to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, questions remain regarding the legal basis of the mission, the role of the Bundestag, and under whose command and within what limits potential contingents would operate.
Speaking in Berlin after talks on Ukraine with the participation of European leaders, Pistorius explained why Germany is cautious about a military mission in Ukraine.
He said that the proposal to establish a European multinational mission seems logical, but the specific details have not yet been determined. In particular, the mandate of the Bundestag, the command structure, and the format of troop participation remain unresolved. At the same time, the German defense minister described the initiative as a signal that Europe is ready to take responsibility for security on the continent.
Boris Pistorius himself did not participate in these talks, as they were held in a closed format.
Military support for Ukraine
Recall that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, together with the heads of government of other European countries, announced plans to form a mission under European leadership with US support. Its task would be to assist the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as ensure the security of airspace and sea routes. Operations are expected to take place directly on Ukrainian territory as well.
The declaration following the Berlin talks was signed by the leaders of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Poland, Italy, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, as well as heads of European Union institutions. No official reaction has yet come from the US.
It should be noted that the idea of creating an international mission to protect Ukraine has been discussed for several months. The US previously stated that it does not plan to send ground troops but is ready to support allies from the air. France and the United Kingdom have been the most active in preparing such a mission, while Germany has so far maintained a more cautious stance.
Incidentally, following the Berlin statements, Pistorius, together with British Defense Secretary John Healey, held an online meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. The group includes over 50 countries coordinating military assistance to Kyiv.
For example, the Netherlands has allocated €250 million to Ukraine for F-16 ammunition.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has rejected the proposal for a Christmas ceasefire, which was supported by Chancellor Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
