Germany’s Baerbock Does Not Dismiss Possibility of Troop Deployment to Ukraine

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Trump Team Weighs European Military Deployment to Divide Russia and Ukraine

President-elect Donald Trump’s senior team is reportedly exploring plans to pressure European nations into deploying troops to establish a demarcation line between Russia and Ukraine. The move is being discussed as part of an effort to broker a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s newly appointed chief diplomat, indicated over the weekend that she is open to the idea of a European military presence inside Ukraine as part of a potential cease-fire agreement. However, she emphasized that such a decision ultimately rests with Kyiv. “I am not ruling anything out,” she stated, leaving the door open to this possibility.

In contrast, Germany has thus far resisted endorsing any such deployment. Nico Lange, a former chief of staff in Germany’s defense ministry and now a fellow at the think tank CEPA, argues that Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock could signal support for broader international peace efforts without committing to specific actions. “It costs nothing for Baerbock to show backing for peace initiatives,” Lange noted, while cautioning against jumping too far ahead in strategizing. “Everybody is discussing the second step before the first,” he said, adding, “Putin currently has no incentive to halt [Russia’s offensive].”

The upcoming snap election in Germany on February 23 is expected to reshuffle the political landscape, potentially bringing major changes to the current cabinet. Polls suggest the center-right Christian Democrats, known for their strong support of Ukraine, are on track to win. Meanwhile, Olaf Scholz, the current chancellor, recently announced €650 million in pre-approved military aid during a visit to Kyiv, reaffirming Germany’s commitment to assisting Ukraine.

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This version is rephrased for readability while keeping all essential details intact.