German MPs Advocate Deployment of Western Soldiers for Ukraine Air Defense
The European Union has agreed on joint security assurances for Ukraine in order to provide political and military support until the country’s potential EU or NATO membership. Amid increasing pressure on the front lines, politicians from Germany’s CDU, FDP, and Greens are considering deploying western troops from neighboring NATO countries to shoot down missiles over Ukraine. This could create a safe zone up to 70 kilometers wide, similar to Israel’s actions without being seen as taking a side in the conflict.
Leading parliamentarians from the CDU, FDP, and Greens are contemplating protecting parts of Ukraine’s airspace through western air defense from NATO territory. Military expert Nico Lange’s proposal suggests establishing a safe zone up to 70 kilometers wide at Ukraine’s borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. Roderich Kiesewetter from the Union faction believes that deploying western countries at NATO’s eastern border could shoot down unmanned Russian missiles above Ukraine, relieving Ukrainian air defenses and allowing them to focus on protecting the front lines.
Marcus Faber from the FDP, likely to lead the defense committee soon, believes that the airspace over Ukrainian border regions could be protected by air defense systems on NATO territory. However, there is a need for adequate ammunition supply in the long term, as batteries and rockets are currently in short supply. Green Party members also support the idea of stationing air defense systems at neighboring countries’ borders to protect western parts of Ukraine. Anton Hofreiter, the chair of the European Affairs Committee, stated that air defense from Poland and Romania should not be ruled out in the long run, although it is not currently up for discussion.
The proposal to deploy western troops for Ukraine’s air defense is not aimed at engaging in the conflict directly but rather at providing support and protecting Ukrainian airspace. By stationing air defense systems at NATO borders, western countries could aid Ukraine in defending its borders and focusing on advancing the front lines. The example of Israel’s air defense collaboration with various countries shows that international cooperation in such matters can prove effective without escalating the conflict. The primary focus remains on increasing western weapons assistance to Ukraine in the short term.
Overall, there is political support in Germany for the idea of using western air defense systems to protect Ukraine’s airspace and help enhance the country’s defense capabilities. The suggestion to create a safe zone through joint efforts demonstrates a commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s position while avoiding direct involvement in the conflict. As discussions continue on ways to support Ukraine, the possibility of deploying western troops for air defense remains an option for providing assistance to the country’s defense forces.
