The president of the German Reserve Forces Association, Patrick Sensburg, has publicly indicated openness to the potential deployment of German soldiers as part of a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. However, he simultaneously cautioned against a premature discussion and highlighted numerous preconditions that would need to be met before any such operation could be considered.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, Sensburg emphasized that the debate surrounding a possible Bundeswehr presence in Ukraine is currently too limited in scope. He stated that the conditions under which a peacekeeping force might operate are paramount. “Militarily, such a mission only makes sense if there is a demilitarized buffer zone between Russian forces and the peacekeepers. This is crucial for early detection of any Russian build-up and the ability to react accordingly” he explained.
Currently, he asserts, Russia is far from conceding to the establishment of such a zone. Sensburg further added that the alternative – deploying troops without a secure buffer – would require a significant numerical superiority over the Russian army, a scenario he deems unachievable with existing European forces.
However, should conditions develop that would allow for a viable deployment of a peacekeeping force, Sensburg urged Germany to take a leading role and provide the largest contingent.