Growing concerns within Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) are surfacing regarding recent discussions about potentially deploying German peacekeeping troops to Ukraine. Sven Schulze, the leader of the CDU in Saxony-Anhalt and a member of the party’s federal executive committee, stated that while Germany’s support for Ukraine remains vital, a debate concerning the direct deployment of German soldiers within Ukraine is unwarranted.
Schulze highlighted the current limitations of the Bundeswehr, noting difficulties in even maintaining the existing deployment of a brigade in Lithuania. He emphasized the need to concentrate instead on establishing “a strong European security architecture” asserting that any further commitment would place undue strain on both the nation and the armed forces.
These comments follow similar concerns expressed by Michael Kretschmer, the Minister-President of Saxony and Deputy Leader of the CDU, who previously stated that the possibility of German soldiers engaging in combat in Ukraine should not be considered. Kretschmer argued that the Bundeswehr currently lacks the necessary capabilities to guarantee Ukraine’s security.
Kretschmer’s firm stance is now fueling internal disagreement within the CDU. Jan Redmann, the parliamentary group leader of the CDU in Brandenburg, stated he doesn’t comprehend the speculation surrounding German soldiers in combat roles, arguing the focus should be on achieving and securing peace in Ukraine. Mario Voigt, Minister-President of Thuringia, also deemed the debate unproductive, suggesting it is “simply not the right time” and that a viable peace agreement requiring protection must first be established.
