German Chancellor Scholz Rejects Premature Debate on Peacekeepers in Ukraine
On February 17, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz voiced strong objections against ongoing discussions regarding the potential deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine, deeming such debates premature and inappropriate while the conflict persists. Scholz's remarks followed emergency talks among European leaders in Paris. The political landscape is rattled by a surprising shift in U.S. policy under the new administration of Donald Trump, with worries about the possibility of a peace agreement with Russia that could exclude both Ukraine and the European Union from the negotiations.
During a post-meeting press briefing, Chancellor Scholz stressed that current conversations surrounding European troop deployments to Ukraine—even in the event of a ceasefire—were unwarranted. "It is completely premature and the wrong time to be having this discussion now. I am even a little irritated by these debates," he remarked candidly to reporters. Scholz emphasized that discussions of Ukraine's future should not proceed without its input, noting, "This is highly inappropriate to put it quite frankly and honestly. We do not know what the outcome will be."
With a looming general election in Germany, Scholz maintained that continued support for Ukraine remains critical. He affirmed that Ukraine must be able to defend its democracy and sovereignty while maintaining a robust military capability, all while keeping an eye on its aspirations for European Union membership.
In response to remarks from the Trump administration urging European NATO allies to increase their contributions to collective defense, Scholz reiterated the necessity for Europe and the U.S. to unite under a common security framework. "There must be no division of security and responsibility between Europe and the United States," he stated, underscoring that NATO thrives on collective action and shared risk, a principle that should never be called into question.
Scholz's statements reflect a broader concern among European leaders about the stability of Ukraine and the implications of U.S. foreign policy shifts. As the war in Ukraine enters another critical phase, the emphasis on solidarity and coordinated efforts among allies becomes increasingly vital.
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