Following a recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussions surrounding security assurances for Ukraine have been reignited. President Trump reportedly indicated to European counterparts the possibility of such guarantees without elaborating on specific details.
The development has prompted caution among a number of German defense policy figures. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the European Parliament’s Defense Committee, voiced skepticism, stating, “The American President has made many announcements that have not been followed through on”. She advised a wait-and-see approach, suggesting it’s best to “assess the situation after the egg is laid” a German idiom implying a careful observation before reacting.
Similar concerns were expressed by Sara Nanni, Green Party security policy spokesperson in the German Bundestag, who lamented the CDU’s Friedrich Merz’s apparent shift away from a firm demand for a ceasefire. “Without a ceasefire being implemented, discussing participation in security assurances is futile. What exactly would be secured?” she stated.
Adis Ahmetovic, SPD spokesperson for foreign policy in the Bundestag, also emphasized a ceasefire as the crucial first step. “The details of security guarantees can only be clarified once a ceasefire is in place” he explained, adding that the contribution of the United States would be paramount. “Europe will, of course, also fulfill its obligations.
Hans-Peter Bartels, former German Defense Commissioner, believes any potential security guarantees would necessitate the involvement of the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces. “If the United States and Europe were to collectively guarantee Ukraine’s security militarily, Germany, as the largest country in Europe, would undoubtedly be involved” he stated. However, he currently views such a scenario as unlikely, adding, “I am skeptical that Moscow would agree to this”.