A recent debate over deploying European peacekeeping forces to Ukraine has revealed deep divisions in Germany, with public opinion and political leaders split on the issue.
A Forsa survey conducted for RTL/ntv shows 49% of Germans support sending soldiers to a European peacekeeping force in the event of a peace agreement, while 45% oppose it.
This close divide reflects Germany’s historical sensitivities, shaped by its militaristic past and recent military engagements in Afghanistan and Mali, widely viewed as unsuccessful.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed cautious openness to German participation in a peacekeeping mission, stressing the need for coordination with European partners and a likely Bundestag mandate.
However, his coalition faces internal skepticism, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warning that such a deployment “would probably overwhelm us.”
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), led by Alice Weidel, has strongly criticized the idea, labeling it “dangerous and irresponsible” and accusing Merz of war-mongering.
The AfD’s opposition aligns with their broader stance against military aid to Ukraine, gaining traction as they lead national opinion polls.
Skepticism is particularly pronounced in eastern Germany, where historical ties to Russia and pacifist sentiments remain strong.
Sven Schulze, a CDU leader in Saxony-Anhalt, emphasized the Bundeswehr’s limited capacity, advocating instead for a “strong European security architecture.”
The Social Democrats, Merz’s junior coalition partner, also express reservations, with lawmaker Ralf Stegner arguing that historical reasons make German troop deployment in the region “extremely difficult.”
Meanwhile, 52% of Germans support Ukraine ceding territory for peace, while 41% oppose such concessions, highlighting further divisions.
Merz’s push to strengthen Germany’s military, aiming to make it Europe’s most powerful, faces challenges amid economic struggles and public reluctance to increase military spending.
Marcel Dirsus, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University, noted that the government would tread carefully, as “there is no point expending political capital on something that might not actually come to pass.”
As Germany navigates its role in European security, the debate over peacekeeping in Ukraine underscores the delicate balance between historical caution and modern geopolitical responsibilities.