NATO Troops in Ukraine Seem Hardly Practicable in Southern Region
In recent discussions, various German political leaders have voiced their opinions on the deployment of German armed forces in Ukraine and the treatment of Ukrainian refugees.
Markus Söder, the leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU), has expressed opposition to the deployment of German troops in Ukraine as part of security guarantees. He believes it is unlikely that NATO troops would be stationed in Ukraine due to Russian opposition, and the Bundeswehr is not currently prepared for such a deployment. Söder suggests discussing ways to deal with Ukrainian refugees, including the possibility of sending combat-capable Ukrainians back to their homeland to ensure security.
Adis Ahmetović, the SPD's foreign policy spokesman, agrees with Söder that there should be no deployment of German ground troops at this moment.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has not ruled out the possibility of deploying German troops in Ukraine, but has expressed reservations. He emphasizes that long-term security guarantees can only be decided upon when there is a ceasefire or a peace agreement.
On the other hand, the Green Party leader, Franziska Brantner, accuses Söder of populism regarding Ukraine. She criticizes his suggestion to send Ukrainian refugees back to the front, calling it bizarre and unacceptable. Brantner advocates for a change in the approach to the citizen's allowance for Ukrainians in Germany, aiming to increase employment rates.
In a surprising turn of events, Söder suggests reintroducing conscription to address the financial and personnel strain on the Bundeswehr.
A coalition of 30 countries, including European states, Japan, and Australia, has pledged their support for an initiative to provide security guarantees for Ukraine. However, there are no plans for direct NATO involvement in a force that could secure a peace agreement. The European states that belong to this coalition include 26 European countries that have agreed to contribute troops for securing a ceasefire or peace between Russia and Ukraine; these include key Western European nations such as France, the United Kingdom, and Germany among others.
Notably, Ukrainians who came to Germany during the large refugee movement following Russia's major attack on Ukraine in 2022 did not come as asylum seekers but under a special rule, allowing them to work immediately and receive citizen's allowance if needed.
In a lighter moment, Brantner criticizes Söder, suggesting he should focus on sausage eating instead of politics.
These discussions highlight the complexities and nuances surrounding Germany's role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the treatment of Ukrainian refugees. As the situation continues to evolve, it is expected that these discussions will continue to shape Germany's approach to the crisis.
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