German Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful expressed skepticism today about the idea of sending German troops to Ukraine as part of Western security guarantees against Russian attacks, DPA reported, BTA reported.
Such an action "will most likely overwhelm Germany," the conservative politician said on the "Table Today" podcast, describing the prospect as a "remote possibility."
He said Germany is focused on defending NATO territory, noting that it is the only European country to have a combat brigade in Lithuania.
"This does not mean that we cannot support Ukraine in other military and technical ways," Wadeful added. He reiterated Germany's position that only Ukraine can decide whether and under what conditions to cede territory.
"It can only accept such a step if it is certain that the Russian aggression it has faced will not be repeated - and that means security guarantees," he said.
Wadeful also stressed that Germany's leading role in the conflict is primarily political. He added that Chancellor Friedrich Merz has managed to unite Europeans behind Ukraine despite differences in national interests.
"This was not always the case," Wadeful noted.