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European Peacekeepers in Ukraine: Germany Rebukes von der Leyen's Comments

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The German government has sharply rebuked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen after she publicly discussed the deployment of European peacekeepers in Ukraine. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the EU has no authority or competence to deploy troops, and that it is too early to discuss sending troops. This comes as the European Union and individual nations consider security guarantees for Ukraine, with discussions ongoing among coalition partners, including the UK, France, and Germany.

Key Takeaways:

  • The German government has no authority or competence to deploy troops in Ukraine, according to Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.
  • The EU is considering security guarantees for Ukraine, with discussions ongoing among coalition partners.
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that there will be no public discussion on security guarantees until Russia agrees to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
  • A survey last month found that 49% of Germans support sending German soldiers as part of a European peacekeeping force after a deal.
  • The strongest opposition to deployment comes from eastern regions, with 45% opposing the deployment.
  • European leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, will chair another meeting of the coalition tomorrow, with Volodymyr Zelensky in attendance.

Statistics:

  • 49% of Germans support sending German soldiers as part of a European peacekeeping force after a deal (source: survey last month).
  • 45% of Germans in eastern regions oppose the deployment of German soldiers (source: survey last month).
  • 185,000 personnel make up the German army, the third-largest in the EU (source: German government).
  • Germany plans to make its army the strongest in Europe after decades of chronic underinvestment (source: Friedrich Merz).

Sources:

  • German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (statement, Monday, 2023)
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (statement, Sunday, 2023)
  • Survey finding (last month, 2023)
  • German government (statistics on the German army)
  • European leaders (statements and discussions, ongoing, 2023)

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