German newspaper says EU is struggling with question of deploying troops to Ukraine

As tensions in the region continue, the European Union (EU) and its member states have pledged to play a key role in ensuring Ukraine's immediate and long-term security and stability, German newspaper Welt am Sonntag reported.

This support includes military , civilian, financial and diplomatic efforts, reflecting a comprehensive approach to the complex challenges facing Ukraine.

In a May 11 article, the German newspaper cited draft documents it had seen showing that the EU is currently discussing possible security guarantees with Kiev, with the aim of offering what it says are “broad security commitments” to Ukraine by early July. The move marks a significant development in European diplomacy .

Brussels is also grappling with the question of whether troops from EU member states can be deployed to Ukraine, according to a draft document seen by the German newspaper.

However, the 11-page “secret” document that envoys from the 27 EU member states “recently agreed” also includes a passage that “excludes the direct participation of EU troops alongside Ukrainian troops in combat operations against Russia,” according to Welt am Sonntag.

The draft also commits the EU to providing weapons, non-lethal supplies, training and other support. While the bloc overwhelmingly agrees to provide military aid to Ukraine, questions remain about the level of support even among the countries that are Russia hawks and have been the most vocal supporters of Ukraine in the conflict that began in February 2022.

Ukrainian soldiers from the 24th mortar brigade are seen at positions near Toretsk, Donetsk region, March 2024. Photo: Anadolu

For months, French President Emmanuel Macron has refused to rule out sending troops from one of Kiev’s Western allies to Ukraine. When asked directly in mid-March, the French leader said that “all these options are possible.”

Russia often claims that providing military aid to Ukraine is a sign that NATO and the West are de facto involved in the conflict. The US and EU reject that view.

The security guarantees for Ukraine have provoked mixed reactions internationally. Grigory Karasin, chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Federation Council (upper house of parliament) of Russia, expressed skepticism about the practical impact of EU security guarantees, arguing that they have little real value in the broader geopolitical context.

Meanwhile, Martin Eger, Germany's ambassador to Ukraine, stressed that Ukraine's accession to NATO could only be considered after the conflict, although the alliance broadly agreed on Ukraine's future in the organization.

In parallel with the EU’s efforts, Ukraine is actively working with the United States to build what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described as the “strongest” bilateral security agreement. The long-awaited document, which aims to outline military and financial support for the next decade, represents a deepening of ties between Kiev and Washington amid ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions .

Minh Duc (According to RFE/RL, Dagens)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/eu-dang-vat-lon-voi-cau-hoi-ve-trien-khai-binh-si-toi-ukraine-a663165.html