Saxony’s Minister-President Michael Kretschmer has voiced opposition to the deployment of German ground troops in Ukraine. In an interview with “Der Spiegel”, Kretschmer stated that the possibility of German soldiers fighting in Ukraine should not be considered.
He argued that Germany is not currently equipped to guarantee Ukraine’s security, asserting that the Bundeswehr lacks the necessary capabilities. Kretschmer emphasized the importance of realistic assessments, stating, “One should only present oneself as strong as one actually is.
The Minister-President advocated for a robust European security architecture and continued security guarantees from the United States. He believes Europe must increase investment in its own security to deter future attacks, both on EU member states and on Ukraine.
Kretschmer clarified that his stance on ground troops is not dictated by public anxieties. “If a proposition is correct, it must be explained and support garnered. Then it will succeed in alleviating people’s fears” he said. “In this instance, however, I believe the proposition is incorrect and do not see a justification for pursuing this course of action”.
