Berlin just blinked. Germany has quietly abandoned plans to send troops to Ukraine, after U.S. President Donald Trump made it crystal clear that there will be no American boots on the ground. The move reveals the growing cracks inside the Western alliance—and it’s a signal that Europe may be forced to fight its own battles without Washington’s full backing.
Just days ago, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hinted at openness to a “peacekeeping mission” in Ukraine. The proposal came from the so-called “coalition of the willing”—a group of NATO states eager to station Western forces as monitors in case of a ceasefire. But Moscow has long rejected any foreign military presence in Ukraine, calling it a red line.
Then came Trump’s hammer. Speaking bluntly, he told Europe to “front load” security guarantees themselves, making it clear the U.S. would not shoulder the risks of a NATO deployment in Ukraine. According to Bild, his stance immediately froze Berlin’s plans “until further notice.”
Merz has now confirmed the retreat, telling German broadcaster ZDF: “Nobody is talking about ground troops at this point.” Instead of soldiers, Germany is expected to offer financial guarantees, expand weapons production on Ukrainian soil, and continue training Kyiv’s military.
The timing is crucial. Ukraine has demanded concrete guarantees from the West as a precondition for any peace talks, while Russia insists guarantees must follow a settlement—not come before. Moscow has also laid out non-negotiable terms: demilitarization, neutrality, and recognition of territorial changes.
Germany’s climbdown underscores a deeper reality: NATO unity may not be as ironclad as advertised. With Trump pushing Europe to carry the burden, Berlin is left with a stark choice—double down financially or risk being sidelined in Ukraine’s future.
