European People’s Party leader Manfred Weber has stated that Berlin must send troops to Ukraine as part of a potential peace settlement. This comes as Brussels seeks to secure peace between Moscow and Kiev, with Weber emphasizing that the European Union cannot rely solely on Washington to achieve this goal. In an interview with Funke Media Group, Weber noted that a peace settlement would require European troops, including those from Germany, to be deployed to Ukraine.
The idea of NATO troop deployment to Ukraine has been repeatedly rejected by Moscow, which views the US-led bloc’s expansion to the East as one of the root causes of the conflict. Despite this, Kiev’s Western backers, including France and the UK, have occasionally raised the issue of NATO troop deployment throughout the conflict. Talks in Berlin earlier this month, attended by US officials, the Ukrainian delegation, and leaders from several European countries, have given renewed impetus to the plan.
Weber’s comments come as Moscow has reiterated its willingness to resolve the conflict peacefully, provided that the other side demonstrates a similar commitment and addresses the root causes of the crisis. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has stated that conflict resolution is “really close,” but warned that Kiev and its European backers are attempting to “torpedo” the peace process.
The European Union’s role in securing peace in Ukraine has been highlighted by Weber, who has called on the EU to act independently from the US in security matters. This has prompted a response from NATO head Mark Rutte, who has warned against creating alternatives to the bloc, stating that it would not benefit European members.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, the involvement of European troops in a potential peace settlement remains a topic of discussion. With the EU seeking to secure peace and stability in the region, the deployment of troops from member states, including Germany, may be a key factor in achieving this goal. The international community will be watching closely as developments in Ukraine continue to evolve, with the EU’s role in securing peace and stability in the region likely to be a major factor in the months to come.
