Friedrich Merz, the projected next German chancellor, advises caution regarding European military deployment in Ukraine. He doubts Russian readiness for such an agreement and highlights lessons from military experience in Afghanistan to guide decisions. Merz deems discussions about troop involvement as premature as elections approach.
Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and likely Germany’s next chancellor, has expressed caution regarding the discussion of deploying European troops to Ukraine following a potential peace agreement. In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, he stated that he doubts the willingness of Russian authorities to accept European military presence in Ukraine during negotiations for peace or even a ceasefire. Despite this skepticism, Merz affirmed Germany’s commitment to enhancing Ukraine’s security. He emphasized the importance of learning from previous military engagements, specifically referencing the challenges faced in Afghanistan, stating, “We have learnt that you should not go anywhere if you do not know how to get out.” Merz believes discussions about participation in a possible European contingent for Ukraine’s security are currently premature, especially in light of the upcoming elections on February 23.
To summarize, Friedrich Merz is advocating for a cautious approach to the prospect of European military involvement in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and acknowledgment of past military experiences. His perspective reflects a commitment to securing Ukraine while recognizing the complexities involved in peace negotiations with Russia.
Original Source: www.pravda.com.ua
