Media reports have claimed the UK and France could deploy 30,000 troops if Moscow and Kiev reach a ceasefire

The deployment of European "peacekeepers" to Ukraine is not currently an option, Friedrich Merz, head of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the country's presumptive next chancellor, has said.

Speaking on Friday during the 'Berlin Round' session hosted by ZDF and ARD, Merz addressed reports that the UK and France are planning to deploy up to 30,000 peacekeepers to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev.

He agreed with outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz that any such deployment is unlikely in the current circumstances.

"I see it the same way as the chancellor: This question does not arise at all today," Merz stated. "The first question we must ask ourselves is: Do we continue to support Ukraine so that it can defend itself? In my view, we have not done enough so far; otherwise, this war would not have lasted almost three years by now."

According to Scholz, discussions about a foreign contingent in Ukraine look like "the fourth step before the first," insisting that the immediate priority must be "fair peace negotiations."

Friedrich Merz's CDU emerged victorious in the recent German federal election, while Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD) experienced significant losses. Merz is expected to take office after a coalition government is formed, although the timing is unclear.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the British-French plan would see Western "peacekeepers" in Ukraine protect vital infrastructure, cities and ports, rather than be deployed directly on the front line.

The plan also hinges on whether London and Paris would be able to persuade US President Donald Trump to commit to a limited American military role, providing critical support in areas such as air defense, logistics, and intelligence, the WSJ said.

Russia has voiced strong opposition to the potential deployment of Western peacekeeping forces, warning that any unauthorized foreign military personnel in Ukraine would be regarded as legitimate targets.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said Moscow considers NATO expansion towards Russian borders as a "threat," meaning that the deployment of the bloc's troops in Ukraine, although under a different banner, would change nothing in this regard.

Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said last year that the West might attempt to "essentially occupy Ukraine" under the guise of deploying peacekeepers.

(RT.com)