Germany pushes 'porcupine' security guarantees model for Ukraine – Spiegel
Photo: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
According to Germany's plan, Ukraine should become a so-called porcupine — strong and dangerous to the enemy. This includes new weapons systems, military training, and close integration of defense industries with European partners, Spiegel reports.
The focus is on strengthening the Ukrainian army. Berlin government circles say that, first and foremost, it must be capable of securing a ceasefire or peace agreement.
Merz says the most important security guarantee they can provide at the moment is sufficient support for the Ukrainian army in its efforts to defend the country.
Efforts in this direction are described by the term porcupining. Thus, according to the agency, Ukraine must become a potentially dangerous, in any case, combat-ready porcupine, capable of withstanding any attack.
Merz's plan for Ukraine
According to Spiegel magazine, the German government will today propose strengthening Ukraine's air defense. The plan is to increase it by 20 percent per year, taking into account the number of weapon systems and their effectiveness.
In addition, there are plans to improve Kyiv's offensive air capabilities. This refers to long-range high-precision weapons, such as cruise missiles, which are manufactured in Ukraine with financial and technological support.
At the same time, Ukraine may be provided with equipment for four mechanized infantry brigades, which would mean about 480 infantry vehicles per year, including armored personnel carriers.
According to Germany, other important components of security guarantees are:
- Continuing the training of Ukrainian soldiers,
- Close cooperation between the defense industries of Ukraine and European countries.
Berlin also attaches great importance to Ukraine's further integration into the EU and to financial and economic support for the country.
The German federal government does not rule out a military contribution by Germany in the form of participation in peacekeeping forces. However, in its view, this would require a political agreement to end the war.
Meanwhile, there is still no sign of a ceasefire or even a peace agreement, as Russia's Vladimir Putin has not changed his position and has instead intensified his attacks on Ukraine.
Security guarantees for Ukraine
Discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine intensified after US President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House on August 18.
At that time, it was planned to agree on the details of the guarantees within 10 days, but later the deadline was postponed by a week.
Today, September 4, about 30 leaders will meet with the Ukrainian President to discuss future security guarantees for Kyiv.
According to the agency, Ukraine's allies have already finalized technical plans for these guarantees and are preparing a political signal to the US President.
In turn, French President Emmanuel Macron said that the preparation of security guarantees for Ukraine has been completed, and the contributions of the allies have been documented and confirmed at the level of defense ministers.
Yesterday, Zelenskyy noted that even European security guarantees may not be enough to deter a possible new Russian invasion, and explained why the participation of the United States is critically important.
