Merz calls for peace force consensus, citing legal constraints
Friedrich Merz, the most likely successor to Olaf Scholz as Chancellor of Germany, spoke in the discussion about the deployment of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. These would consist of soldiers from Western armies. Merz stated that the participation of Germans in such a project would only be possible based on a "consensus with Russia."
Merz mentioned, in an interview with the weekly "Die Zeit," that any possible deployment of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine should be in line with international law.
- If a peace agreement is necessary and if Ukraine needs security guarantees, then we can discuss it only if there is an appropriate mandate under international law, and at the moment I do not see that - said the CDU leader.
- I would like such a mandate to be based on consensus with Russia, not on conflict - emphasised Merz.
"I can't imagine." Bad news from Berlin for Ukraine
The politician was asked what kind of security guarantees he envisions - besides Ukraine's membership in NATO - that could lead to a ceasefire in the war with Russia.
- I can't imagine anything today that would move in that direction. We are far from such a ceasefire. This is all a matter that needs to be clarified in the next few weeks, or maybe months - answered Merz.
