Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
“To be specific, we would also move against corresponding Russian violations and attacks,” he said.
After high-stakes diplomatic talks in Berlin Monday, Ukraine finally got something, they wished for for a long time: Security guarantees.
According to a joint statement from the European leaders attending the meeting, part of the proposal for peace, that came out of the meeting, includes scurity guarantees for Ukraine in the form af a European-led multinational force from willing nations, and with backing from the U.S.
The statement does not say, if Western troops are to be deployed in Ukraine, but it does say, that the forces will assist in securing the Ukrainian skies.
But another important question still lingers: What happens, if Russia breaks an agreed ceasefire/peace?
Well, the German Chancellor, Fredrich Merz, has confirmed, that that scenario could lead to a miliary clash between Russian and Western forces.
Would not remain passive
In an interview med ZDF, Merz said on Dec. 16 that Western troops deployed in Ukraine following a ceasefire would not remain passive if Russia launched new attacks.
“We would secure a demilitarized zone between the belligerent parties and, to be specific, we would also move against corresponding Russian violations and attacks,” Merz told ZDF television.
Merz also pointed to what he described as a notable shift in Washington’s position on Ukraine’s security.
“The fact that the Americans have made such a commitment, namely to protect Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire as if it were NATO territory, I think is a remarkable new position for the U.S.,” he said.
Open questions remain
France, the United Kingdom, and other states have signalled readiness to contribute troops under a so-called Coalition of the Willing, while Germany has taken a more cautious tone. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said key questions about the force’s mandate remain unresolved.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk earlier said U.S. negotiators had, for the first time, pledged a military response if Russia violated a peace deal.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said “progress” had been made on “Article 5-like” guarantees but confirmed there is still no agreement on territorial issues.
Moscow has continued to insist on barring Ukraine from NATO and claiming full control over Luhansk and Donetsk.
Sources: ZDF, Reuters, BBC, Kyiv Independent, Government Offices of Sweden
