On January 6, speaking at a press conference after the summit of the "Ready Alliance" group held in Paris, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made important statements about Berlin's role in the European security structure in the coming time.
He affirmed that Germany is ready to actively contribute to efforts to maintain a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, through strengthening its military presence in the eastern border area of the North Atlantic military bloc.
Mr. Merz emphasized that Germany's multifaceted commitment to Ukraine will not change in any circumstances. "Germany will continue to contribute politically, financially and militarily," Mr. Merz declared to the press.
To concretize this commitment, the German Chancellor mentioned a scenario of deploying troops immediately after the parties reach a ceasefire agreement. However, he clarified that this force will be deployed on the territory of NATO member states bordering Ukraine, instead of directly entering the disputed territory.
This move is assessed by observers as a cautious but strategic step by Berlin. The deployment of troops in neighboring countries such as Poland or Romania will help Germany both participate in the "security belt" surrounding Ukraine, avoid the risk of direct conflict, and strengthen NATO's defense capabilities for the eastern flank against unpredictable fluctuations.
Mr. Merz's statement also aimed to reassure allies in the context that the US is focusing its attention on Latin America.
Despite expressing strong political determination, Prime Minister Merz also noted the domestic legal process.
He affirmed that all decisions related to the scale of contributions and specific security commitments to Ukraine will not be personal decisions, but must be approved by the Federal Government and the German Parliament. This is an important constitutional principle in Germany, where all activities to deploy troops abroad require the approval of lawmakers.
Concluding the speech, Mr. Merz reaffirmed that Germany will closely coordinate with partners in the "Ready Alliance" to ensure that any peace mechanism established will come with practical guarantees, not just promises on paper.
