BERLIN — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Tuesday that he would not exclude the possibility of German troops participating in a European-led multinational peacekeeping force in Ukraine to enforce a potential ceasefire agreement with Russia. In an interview with public broadcaster ZDF, Merz evaded direct questions about Bundeswehr involvement but emphasized that any such mission would be part of broader international efforts involving not only European nations but also countries like Canada and Australia.
The remarks come amid heightened diplomatic activity following two days of intensive negotiations in Berlin on Sunday and Monday between Ukrainian officials, U.S. representatives, and European leaders. These talks focused on security guarantees for Ukraine under a proposed peace framework backed by the United States. European participants, including leaders from the UK, France, Poland, Italy, and others, issued a joint statement outlining support for a European-led "multinational force Ukraine" to operate on Ukrainian soil, backed by the U.S., to support Kyiv's armed forces and secure airspace and maritime domains.
Merz described the proposed force as essential for securing a ceasefire, potentially including the authority to repel Russian forces in case of violations. "Under post-ceasefire guarantees provided by the United States and Europe to Ukraine, peacekeepers could in certain circumstances repel Russian forces," he told ZDF, while cautioning that this scenario remains distant. He highlighted progress in the Berlin discussions, noting U.S. commitments to treat post-ceasefire Ukraine similarly to NATO territory for protection purposes—a "remarkable new position" from Washington.
When pressed on Russian President Vladimir Putin's repeated rejection of foreign troops in Ukraine, Merz responded firmly: "Putin has said ‘nyet’ to many things, but at some point he will also have to say ‘yes’ when it comes to ending this war." This reflects growing European optimism that Moscow may eventually accept conditions for peace, despite Russia's firm opposition to NATO-country presence on Ukrainian soil.
The Berlin talks, hosted by Merz and involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alongside U.S. envoys, built on a U.S.-proposed peace plan. European leaders committed to sustaining Ukraine's military at around 800,000 troops in peacetime, providing a U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism, and offering legally binding commitments to restore security in case of future aggression—effectively "Article 5-like" guarantees without formal NATO membership.
Merz also referenced the potential creation of a demilitarized zone to separate conflicting parties, though he acknowledged Russia's ongoing resistance to a ceasefire. "You have seen from Russia's reaction that this will not mean an end to the war. We must continue to work together. We must continue to support Ukraine together," he said, stressing the need for unified international pressure on Moscow.
Separately, Merz expressed cautious optimism about an upcoming EU summit in Brussels starting Thursday, where leaders will discuss using hundreds of billions of euros in frozen Russian central bank assets to fund Ukraine's defense and reconstruction. He rated the chances of reaching an agreement at "fifty-fifty," acknowledging reservations from countries like Belgium, which hosts much of the assets via Euroclear. "I don't share them, but I take them seriously," Merz said of Belgium's concerns over legal risks.
The proposal has been a point of contention, with Germany pushing for a multi-billion-euro loan backed by profits from the immobilized assets. Failure to agree could severely damage the EU's credibility, Merz warned earlier, as Europe seeks to fill potential gaps in U.S. support amid shifting American priorities.
These developments mark a pivotal moment in nearly four years of conflict since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. The Berlin negotiations have been described as yielding "significant progress," with European leaders welcoming U.S. President Donald Trump's engagement in brokering a "just and lasting peace" that preserves Ukrainian sovereignty. Participants reaffirmed that international borders cannot be changed by force and that any territorial decisions rest with Ukraine once robust guarantees are in place.
The proposed multinational force draws from the existing "Coalition of the Willing," co-chaired by France and the UK, and could involve contributions from multiple nations. While Merz left open Germany's participation—any deployment would require Bundestag approval—other allies have shown varying enthusiasm. The UK has prepared forces for potential ground and air roles, while some nations remain wary of direct confrontation risks.
Russia has consistently rejected foreign troop deployments, viewing them as a red line, and continues to demand territorial concessions, including full control over occupied regions. Despite this, European and U.S. officials express hope that economic and military pressures will compel Moscow to negotiate earnestly.
Merz's comments underscore Germany's evolving role as a key European leader in Ukraine support, balancing diplomatic outreach with firm deterrence. As the EU summit approaches, the bloc faces pressure to unify on financial aid, while the prospect of Western peacekeepers highlights the high stakes in securing a durable end to Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II.
The international community watches closely, with implications for global security architecture, NATO's future, and transatlantic relations. Progress in Berlin signals momentum toward a framework that could deter future aggression, but challenges remain profound, including Russia's intransigence and the need for concrete commitments from all parties.
