Germany has left open the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine as part of future European security guarantees, according to Deputy Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil. Speaking in a televised summer interview on Germany’s ZDF, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) leader emphasized that the immediate goal must be securing a ceasefire.
“After a ceasefire, everything can be discussed, including European security guarantees for Ukraine,” Klingbeil said. He added that responsibility must also be assumed by Europe, whether through troops, training of Ukrainian forces, financial support, or other forms of assistance. “All of this needs to be clarified in the coming days,” he noted, stressing that security guarantees would be central to any negotiated solution.
Asked whether he would like access to frozen Russian assets in the West, Klingbeil admitted that “emotionally, yes, but legally it is very difficult,” pointing out that a compromise has at least been found to allow access to interest generated by those funds.
Reactions from across the German political spectrum highlight differing views on what comes next. Roderich Kiesewetter of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) argued in comments to Bild that the only reliable long-term guarantee for Ukraine would be NATO membership, which offers nuclear protection. He added that troop deployments would also be necessary, with Germany expected to contribute.
SPD parliamentary deputy leader Siemtje Möller underlined the pivotal role of the United States, saying that Washington’s involvement is “central to all security guarantees.” She noted that Europe will also contribute significantly, but the details of how this would be structured will only be discussed once Russia halts its war and negotiations for a just peace can begin.
