Europe Protection force for Ukraine takes shape - Germany on board
The international protection force to militarily secure a possible ceasefire in Ukraine is taking shape.
07.01.2026, 04:59
SDA
At a meeting of the so-called "coalition of the willing" in Paris, France, the UK and Ukraine signed a declaration that provides a basis for the deployment of foreign troops in the attacked country. At a further meeting in Paris on Wednesday between Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and his counterparts from France and Poland, support for Ukraine, which has been attacked by Russia, will also be discussed.
On Tuesday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held out the prospect of the Bundeswehr's involvement in peacekeeping for the first time - not in Ukraine itself, but on NATO soil close to the border. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already spoken of a deployment of British and French armed forces on Ukrainian soil following a ceasefire. A fundamental problem with European planning remains: Moscow strictly rejects foreign troops, especially from NATO countries, in Ukraine.
Representatives from 35 countries, including 27 heads of state and government, took part in the consultations in Paris. The Ukrainian head of state Volodymyr Selenskyj and Nato head Mark Rutte also took part in the summit. US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, attended on behalf of the USA.
Paris and London want to send troops to Ukraine
Commenting on his announcement, Starmer explained that the aim was to "secure Ukraine's air and sea space and rebuild the Ukrainian armed forces for the future." Other allies also want to send their units to Ukraine.
This does not involve deployment on the future ceasefire line. According to the plans, this should be monitored remotely by the USA using technical means. The foreign troops were to help regenerate the Ukrainian army in the rear or outside Ukraine and contribute to deterrence. In addition to Germany, Spain and Belgium have also declared their willingness to take part in such missions.
Merz holds out the prospect of German participation
Merz linked the participation of the German Armed Forces to clear agreements for a ceasefire. "Germany will continue to contribute politically, financially and also militarily. This could include, for example, committing forces to Ukraine on neighboring NATO territory after a ceasefire," said the CDU politician in Paris. The NATO states of Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia border on Ukraine. These countries could therefore be possible deployment locations.
The German government and Bundestag must decide on the type and scope of a German contribution as soon as the conditions for this have been clarified, said Merz. "I want to say for myself and also for the Federal Government: we are not ruling out anything in principle." This means that the deployment of Bundeswehr soldiers to Ukraine is not ruled out.
Binding security guarantees with military aid
In addition to support for the Ukrainian army, the coalition of the willing promised Kiev binding security guarantees for the first time in a joint declaration, which is seen as a strong signal. "We are ready to commit ourselves to a system of politically and legally binding guarantees that will enter into force as soon as a ceasefire comes into effect," said EU Council President António Costa after the consultations.
A central point is the plan to give Ukraine politically and legally binding assurances that it will not be left alone in the event of a renewed Russian attack. "These commitments may include the deployment of military capabilities," the joint declaration explicitly stated. The USA assured the coalition of its support at the Paris summit and, according to the final declaration, will play a key role in monitoring a peace agreement.
Selenskyj: Territorial issue remains despite progress
Ukrainian President Zelenskyi spoke of major progress in the peace talks. However, he said that territorial issues had not been 100 percent resolved. Ukrainian negotiators should therefore remain on site and continue the talks. US negotiator Witkoff also said that this issue had not yet been resolved.
The dispute is about whether Ukraine - as demanded by Moscow - should completely withdraw its troops from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in the east. The USA is urging Kiev to do so because otherwise peace with Russia cannot be achieved. Ukraine rejects this. Moscow recently declared that it would conquer these territories militarily anyway.
Putin celebrates Orthodox Christmas
An official reaction from Moscow to the Paris summit is still pending. However, it is unlikely that the Kremlin will accept the results, commented Russian political scientist Vladimir Frolov on Network X.
The Christmas Eve of the Orthodox Christmas festival was celebrated in Russia on Tuesday. President Vladimir Putin demonstratively appeared with Russian soldiers and their families in a church near Moscow.
This will be important today
Federal Foreign Minister Wadephul (CDU) is meeting with his counterparts from France and Poland, Jean-Noël Barrot and Radoslaw Sikorski, in Paris. This meeting of the so-called Weimar Triangle will also focus on European support for Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia.
