Berlin hesitates over decision on participation in post-war mission in Ukraine

Germany is prepared to expand its financing and training of Ukrainian armed forces, but will only decide on military involvement once the international framework is clear, a government spokesperson said on Thursday.

The statement followed a meeting of 26 Ukraine's allies, at which, according to French President Emmanuel Macron, willingness was signaled to become part of an international force as a security guarantee for Ukraine in the event of peace with Russia.
“Germany will decide on military involvement as soon as the framework is clear — for example, the nature and extent of US involvement and the results of negotiations,” the spokesman said.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is fundamentally open to participating in a possible peace mission, but is acting more cautiously than Macron or British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who are in favor of sending troops.
Merz also emphasized that such a mission would require a Bundestag mandate – no easy task given that he was only elected chancellor on his second attempt.

Russia strongly opposes any NATO presence in Ukraine. It is also unclear how such a force could function.
According to government sources, Germany is also considering equipping four Ukrainian brigades with up to 500 vehicles annually.
(reuters, est)