Andrij Melnyk, formerly Ukraine’s ambassador to Berlin and now representing Ukraine at the United Nations, has dismissed discussions surrounding the potential deployment of European peacekeeping forces into his country as a “sham debate.
Speaking to “Der Stern”, Melnyk emphasized the necessity of clarity regarding the forces’ precise role and the mandate under which they would operate, stating that without these specifics, claims of sending thousands of soldiers lacked serious consideration. He suggested that participation by European troops could be envisioned only after the establishment of contractual security guarantees.
Melnyk expressed a cautiously optimistic view on the reactivation of negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, facilitated by former U.S. President Donald Trump, despite acknowledging the process resembles a “rollercoaster”. He recalled publicly urging then-Chancellor Scholz last September to initiate diplomatic mediation, a step now mirrored by Trump, aiming to be perceived by Putin as a serious interlocutor. He noted, however, that no such action was taken at the time.
Addressing Ukraine’s Western partners, Melnyk called for indirect political pressure through third-party nations. Drawing on his experience as ambassador to Brazil, he pointed out the potential of leveraging trade and investment. He highlighted that over €450 billion in foreign investment originates from the EU, yet this influence is not being utilized to dissuade Brazil from its relationship with Russia, which he termed a “geopolitical blunder”. He further suggested that many countries in Latin America and Africa model their actions in international forums, including UN voting on Ukraine resolutions, on Brazil’s stance.
