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Manfred Weberthe head of the conservative EPP group in the European Parliament, has spoken out in favor of involving German soldiers in securing a peace solution in Ukraine. “I want soldiers with the European flag on their uniform who will secure peace together with our Ukrainian friends,” the CSU politician told the newspapers of the Funke media group. “We cannot seriously expect Trump to secure a peace solution with American GIs alone. And when we talk about European troops, Germany cannot be left out,” said Weber, referring to US President Donald Trump.
For the safety of the Ukraine Europe must take responsibility, said the CSU politician. “After a ceasefire or peace agreement, the European flag must fly along the security line.”
After the Ukraine talks in Berlin, the heads of state and government the EU a multinational force Securing a ceasefire promised in Ukraine. The one led by the Europeans and the USA The supported force is intended to support the country’s armed forces and ensure the security of the airspace and sea. However, it is still unclear how Germany could get involved. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Vice Chancellor and SPD leader Lars Klingbeil have so far expressed reservations on the question of German soldiers’ participation in peacekeeping.
2025 as a “turning year in history”
However, Weber was skeptical about the possibility of an imminent ceasefire in the Funke newspapers. “Putin is leading us by the nose. To this day he sits in the Kremlin and is happy about how the West argues and divides,” said the party and parliamentary group leader European People’s Party. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent tens of thousands of young soldiers to their deaths. Weber could not see “that Putin is taking the path of peace,” he said. There will only be peace if Europeans show strength and speak with one voice.
Weber called on the European Union to respond with a new security strategy USA turning away from Europe to react. “2025 is a turning point in history,” which is also shown by Trump’s security strategy, Weber told the newspapers. Europe must “stop shaping our policy based on Washington papers,” said Weber. “We have to write our own security strategy, put Europe’s architecture to the test and finally act confidently.”
Mark Rutte wants to stay “on the side of the USA”.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte was more reserved on the subject: Despite the US government’s current course, the former Dutch head of government does not believe it is necessary for the EU to become completely independent of the US in defense matters. The USA expects Europe to take on more responsibility and spend more money on defense, Rutte told the German Press Agency. But it’s about doing this together with the USA.
“It is only logical that we shoulder more responsibility for Europe’s defense step by step – but alongside the USA, which is fully committed to NATO, remains in the alliance and remains in Europe,” said Rutte when asked whether he shared CSU top politician Weber’s view of the current situation.
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