Germany could send soldiers to Ukraine in the event of a demilitarized zone to secure a possible ceasefire with Russia. The German Defense Minister said he was open to this possibility during an interview. This would mark a turning point in Berlin’s position in the face of the conflict…
The war in Ukraine could soon reach a major turning point. During an interview with the newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius raised the possibility of sending German soldiers to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping mission. This statement comes as discussions on a potential ceasefire between kyiv and Moscow could open quickly, in particular thanks to a meeting between the new American president Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
A demilitarized zone to secure peace
The deployment of German troops would be conditional on the establishment of a demilitarized zone in Ukraine, which would serve as a buffer between Ukrainian and Russian forces. The role of German soldiers would then be to participate in securing this area, in order to guarantee compliance with a possible ceasefire.
Boris Pistorius underlined the importance of Germany’s role in this scenario:
We are NATO’s largest partner in Europe. It is clear that we will play a role and that we will have to take responsibility for it.
However, the minister clarified that this issue will be discussed “when the time comes”, suggesting that peace negotiations must first be concluded between Ukraine and Russia before concretely considering sending troops.
Ukraine not yet in a position of strength
If Boris Pistorius’ statements open an encouraging prospect for the resolution of the conflict, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has qualified the chances of a rapid peace. According to him, Ukraine is not today in the necessary position of strength before the opening of possible negotiations with Russia.
The German minister himself admits that Russia still occupies “around 18 or 19% of Ukrainian territory”. Nevertheless, he emphasizes that despite “high losses in its own army”, Moscow has “obtained no more” in almost three years of war.
During a recent meeting of Ukraine’s supporting countries, the United States said that Moscow was losing nearly 1,500 men per day in November.
Towards an increase in the German defense budget
Boris Pistorius also raised the issue of Germany’s defense budget. Asked about Donald Trump’s demands, who wants NATO members to devote 5% of their GDP, the minister was more measured.
-He estimated that “we should, when in doubt, rather talk about 3%” of GDP, compared to 2% currently. This is a subject which is being debated across the Rhine, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz having already rejected the American proposal.
Raising the defense budget to 5% of GDP would mean that Germany would spend around 200 billion euros annually in this sector, while the total federal budget planned for 2025 amounts to 490 billion euros.
What roadmap for peace in Ukraine?
If the prospect of a ceasefire and a demilitarized zone secured by international troops seems to be looming, the path to peace in Ukraine remains strewn with pitfalls.
The new tenant of the White House will have a key role to play in the weeks and months to come. Donald Trump pledged during his campaign to quickly put an end to the conflict, before lowering his ambitions.
The meeting planned soon with Vladimir Putin will be closely scrutinized. Washington and its allies hope that it will open the way to real negotiations, while until now the master of the Kremlin has not shown any real desire for appeasement.
For the Ukrainian authorities, the objective is now to consolidate their military positions on the ground, in order to approach a possible peace process from a position of strength. A major challenge as the fighting continues violently in the east of the country.
According to some analysts, only firmer involvement from the West, combined with new sanctions against Russia, could bring Moscow to its knees and accept a compromise.
In the meantime, the Ukrainian population continues to pay the high price of this never-ending war. With tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced already, Ukraine hopes that 2025 will finally mark the start of a return to normal life. A tenuous hope, which will largely depend on the decisions that will be taken in the coming months by the great powers.
