Chancellor Olaf Scholz opposes discussions on a European peacekeeping mission for Ukraine, deeming them premature and inappropriate. While European leaders like Macron and Starmer support troop deployment, Scholz insists any action must involve the USA. Recent US-Russia negotiations excluded European allies, raising concerns about their role in peace talks. Scholz also calls for more flexible EU defense spending rules to support Ukraine, emphasizing the need for robust military backing without imposing a dictated peace.
Should German troops play a role in securing peace in Ukraine? Chancellor Scholz believes this conversation is both premature and ‘highly inappropriate’. Yet, the perspectives from other European nations tell a different story.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reiterated his stance that discussions surrounding a European peacekeeping mission are ‘completely premature’. After attending the Ukraine summit in Paris, he expressed his irritation over these debates, stating, ‘I want to be candid about this.’ He emphasized that conversations are unfolding without the involvement of Ukrainians regarding potential outcomes of peace talks that have yet to occur, deeming this ‘highly inappropriate’.
According to Scholz, it is an ‘inappropriate debate at the wrong time and about the wrong topic.’ He noted, ‘We are not in a state of peace, but rather in the midst of a brutal war initiated by Russia, which continues unabated.’
As the USA exerts pressure, Europe finds itself at a crossroads: What are the stakes in the upcoming European summit focused on Ukraine?
Support for European Peacekeepers
The European landscape, however, reveals a divide. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has previously declared that the UK is ‘ready and willing’ to deploy troops to assist Ukraine. Both the Netherlands and Sweden have shown a similar willingness to contribute.
While Poland has no plans to send troops, it supports the positions of Macron and Starmer. Prior to heading to Paris, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated, ‘We do not intend to deploy Polish forces to Ukraine, but we will back nations that wish to provide such guarantees in the future, both logistically and politically.’
French President Emmanuel Macron has been advocating for a European peacekeeping force for some time. France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, mentioned prior to the summit that discussions on this matter are being held ‘at various levels.’
Scholz firmly stated his opposition to deploying a peacekeeping force without the USA’s involvement. ‘There should be no division of security and responsibility between Europe and the USA,’ he emphasized, reinforcing that NATO is built on collective action and shared risks, which must remain intact.
In Paris, European leaders are deliberating their contributions to a potential peace agreement in Ukraine.
Exclusion of the EU from Negotiations
Recently, US President Donald Trump engaged in a one-and-a-half-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin without prior coordination with European allies. Following the call, Trump announced an ‘immediate’ start to negotiations regarding Ukraine’s future, raising concerns among Western allies about the exclusion of both Ukraine and European nations from the discussions.
The summit aimed to forge a unified stance on the shifting US policy regarding the Ukraine conflict, involving not just Scholz but also the leaders from Britain, Italy, and Poland. NATO chief Mark Rutte and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen participated as well, while other EU countries, such as Slovenia, voiced their discontent over their exclusion from the talks.
What role can Europe realistically assume in facilitating a peace solution for Ukraine? This question looms over the summit in Paris.
Upcoming Talks in Riyadh
Starting Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and high-ranking Russian officials are set to engage in discussions in Saudi Arabia—without Ukraine’s or other European representatives’ involvement.
US-Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg reassured that no peace agreement would be imposed on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stating that any decision would be made by Zelensky in conjunction with the Ukrainian populace.
Regarding the absence of European players in the negotiations, Kellogg mentioned that input from all would be valued, but it would be impractical for everyone to be present at the peace talks.
In a recent NBC interview, Zelensky issued a clear message directed towards the USA.
Scholz Advocates for Flexible EU Debt Rules
On another contentious topic—defense spending—Scholz argued for more flexible spending rules within the EU framework.
He proposed that individual member states be granted increased leeway, necessitating adjustments to the EU’s current debt regulations. For instance, he suggested that no actions should be initiated against nations exceeding two percent of their economic output on defense, even if that results in violations of EU guidelines.
Political analyst Schröder noted a significant rift in transatlantic relations.
Calls for More Flexibility in Debt Regulations
He emphasized the need for greater latitude in German policy, along with increased funding, stating, ‘Our ongoing and necessary support for Ukraine hinges on our ability to finance it separately.’ He insisted that relying on budget cuts from elsewhere would be unviable and unpopular among the populace.
Scholz reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to Ukraine, assuring that it can count on ongoing support. He stressed the importance of Kyiv maintaining a robust military to safeguard its sovereignty and democracy. However, he firmly stated that there can be no ‘dictated peace’, as these issues remain non-negotiable.